League-position context
Kashima rank2nd
Shimizu S-pulse rank14th
Kashima points72
Shimizu S-pulse points34
Kashima: #2 ยท 72 pts ยท GD +22
Currently in the automatic promotion spots. 28 pts above the play-off edge. 39 pts clear of the relegation zone.
Shimizu S-pulse: #14 ยท 34 pts ยท GD -18
38 pts off the top 2. 13 pts off the play-off line. 1 pts clear of the relegation zone.
38-point gap between the two sides coming into kick-off.