Sunday Preview: Three Loaned Players Unavailable for Tokyo Verdy, Kashima Antlers Struggling Defensively Away from Home

On August 25th at 5 PM, the 28th round of the J1 League will see Tokyo Verdy host Kashima Antlers at Ajinomoto Stadium.

In last weekend’s 27th round of the J1 League, Tokyo Verdy played a goalless 0-0 draw away against their city rivals FC Tokyo. The team has been held scoreless in their last three league matches, with the previously potent attacking duo of Yuta Kiyama and Yuki Someya suddenly losing their edge, and the Olympic squad attacker Fuki Yamada failing to showcase his left-footed skills. Regarding their recent poor form, Tokyo Verdy head coach Hiroshi Joh said in an interview with the media, “I am only disappointed that we did not win. We did most of what we wanted to do, but if we had not missed by those few centimeters, we would have got all three points. We will continue to persist.”

Currently in the J1 League standings, as promoted newcomers, Tokyo Verdy temporarily hold 8 wins, 11 draws, and 8 losses, ranking 13th in the league, just 7 points ahead of the relegation zone, with their advantage no longer particularly significant. In this season’s 13 home games, Tokyo Verdy has achieved 3 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses, with their scoring ability slightly inferior compared to away games. However, in their last three home games, Tokyo Verdy managed to secure one point against strong teams like Cerezo Osaka, Machida Zelvia, and Hiroshima Sanfrecce, which is not entirely unacceptable from the perspective of a relegation-threatened team.

In terms of squad availability, for this match, three loan players of Tokyo Verdy—Yuki Someya, Yuta Matsumura, and Sang-Hui Lim—are unable to play due to a clause in their loan agreements, which is undoubtedly a significant blow to Tokyo Verdy’s starting lineup. Regarding the absence of loan players, Tokyo Verdy head coach Hiroshi Joh said, “We happen to have three players from the same club, so missing these three key players is not easy, but I believe it is an opportunity for those who do not often get playing time.”

In the previous round of the league, Kashima Antlers drew 0-0 at home against Urawa Red Diamonds. The team’s main attacker Shuto Nakamura scored in the 82nd minute, but it was ruled out for offside, a decision that sparked considerable controversy. Regarding Kashima Antlers’ performance in the “Red Derby,” head coach Popovic stated he knew the players had given their all and showed very good things. In the midweek Emperor’s Cup Round of 16 match, Kashima Antlers won 2-1 away against Ventforet Kofu, with team captain Naoya Plant scoring the decisive goal from a corner kick. Popovic praised the team’s resilient performance in the post-match interview.

Currently in the J1 League standings, Kashima Antlers hold 14 wins, 6 draws, and 7 losses, ranking third in the league, still 5 points behind the top team Machida Zelvia, making their title chase this season challenging. In this season’s 13 away games, Kashima Antlers have achieved 5 wins, 1 draw, and 7 losses, with their scoring ability significantly reduced compared to home games, ranking only 14th in the league for away performance. In their last three away league matches, Kashima Antlers suffered defeats against Vissel Kobe, Yokohama F. Marinos, and Shimizu S-Pulse. Notably, despite a significant paper strength advantage, they were overturned by Shimizu S-Pulse, with their defensive display being far from satisfactory.

In terms of squad availability, for this match, Kashima Antlers’ substitute striker Covic will continue to be sidelined due to injury. On the bright side, the team’s new summer signing, Koki Ando, made an appearance and performed well in the cup match against Ventforet Kofu, providing some forward impact in the second half of the season.

In the last eight encounters between the two teams, Kashima Antlers have won 4, drawn 2, and lost 2, holding a slight psychological advantage. In this round of the league, Tokyo Verdy, who have gone three rounds without a win, will strive to return to winning ways with the help of home advantage. Will the title-chasing but poorly performing away Kashima Antlers manage to secure all three points?

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