Kashima Antlers and Vissel Kobe will trade tackles in a Japanese Emperor's Cup quarterfinal tie on Wednesday (September 25th). The home side are coming into the game on the back of a goalless draw at home to Kashiwa Reysol in the J1 League over the weekend.
Vissel Kobe, meanwhile, claimed a 3-2 away win over Albirex Niigata. They took the lead through Gotoku Sakai's 15th-minute strike but went into the break behind courtesy of goals from Motoki Nagakura and Yuji Ono. Yoshinori Muto and Ryuho Kikuchi scored second half goals to help them claim the win.
Kobe will now turn their attention to the cup and booked their spot in the last eight with a 1-0 away win over Kashiwa Reysol in the last round. Antlers qualified with a 2-1 away win over Kofu.
The winner of this tie will face Kyoto in the semifinal.
Kashima Antlers vs Vissel Kobe Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the 66th meeting between the two sides. Kashima Antlers have 37 wins to their name, Vissel Kobe were victorious 18 times while 10 games were drawn.
- Their most recent clash came in June 2024 when Vissel Kobe claimed a 4-1 home win in the league.
- Four of the last six head-to-head games have witnessed goals at both ends.
- Kobe are unbeaten in their last eight games across competitions (six wins).
- Antlers have won just one of their last six competitive games (three draws).
- Four of Antlers' last five games across competitions have been level at the break.
- Six of the last eight head-to-head games have produced less than three goals.
Kashima Antlers vs Vissel Kobe Prediction
Kashima Antlers are the pre-game underdogs despite playing in front of their fans. Ranko Popovic's side have not won a game for over a month but could take solace in the fact that they have won the last three head-to-head games.
It is the exact opposite feeling for Vissel Kobe, who have been flying high. Their strong run of form has left them firmly in the title race and in contention for a maiden double.
We are backing the visitors to claim a narrow victory with goals at both ends.
Prediction: Kashima Antlers 1-2 Vissel Kobe
Kashima Antlers vs Vissel Kobe Betting Tips
Tip 1 - Vissel Kobe to win
Tip 2 - Both teams to score
Tip 3 - Over 2.5 goals