League-position context
Kashima rank1st
Avispa Fukuoka rank18th
Kashima points39
Avispa Fukuoka points11
Kashima: #1 ยท 39 pts ยท GD +19
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 16 pts above the play-off edge. 22 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Avispa Fukuoka: #18 ยท 11 pts ยท GD -14
27 pts off the top 2. 12 pts off the play-off line. 6 pts from safety.
28-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.