League-position context
Kashima rank2nd
Shimizu S-pulse rank17th
Kashima points37
Shimizu S-pulse points12
Kashima: #2 ยท 37 pts ยท GD +14
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 11 pts above the play-off edge. 24 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Shimizu S-pulse: #17 ยท 12 pts ยท GD -18
25 pts off the top 2. 15 pts off the play-off line. 5 pts from safety.
25-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.