League-position context
Kashima rank11th
Omiya Ardija rank6th
Kashima points20
Omiya Ardija points30
Kashima: #11 ยท 20 pts ยท GD +0
15 pts off the top 2. 9 pts off the play-off line. 7 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Omiya Ardija: #6 ยท 30 pts ยท GD +6
5 pts off the top 2. 1 pts above the play-off edge. 17 pts clear of the relegation zone.
10-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.