8.
Defending champions not that strong
TEAM NEWS
Nagoya Grampus will miss forward Keiji Tamada and midfielders Magnum Rafael and Mu Kanazaki.
Kashima Antlers will miss defender Lee Jung Soo as he
has to report to South Korean internationals' training camp.
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Keiji Tamada
(left leg), Magnum Rafael (pulled muscle), Mu Kanazaki (thigh)
Kashima Antlers
Suspended: None
Doubtful: None
Injured/unavailable: Lee Jung Soo (national team)
MATCH PREVIEW
Nagoya
Grampus managed to beat Vegalta Sendai 2-1 in Round
11. Forward Joshua Kennedy scored 2 goals. He's the top scorer in J1, and
maintains his excellent form. But the team is facing several problems.
Forward Keiji Tamada and
midfielders Magnum Rafael and Mu Kanazaki
will be absent due to injury. Head coach Dragan
Stojkovic said, "They're very important to the
team. Their absences are very serious". Traditionally, the team is
struggling in hot weather because of the lack of stamina. And it's over
20 degrees Celsius now.
Kashima Antlers aren't in good form either. They lost to Korean
side Pohang Steelers 0-1 at home on Wednesday in AFC
Champions League. Players are physically tired and psychologically
depressed.
Defender Lee Jung Soo will be absent. As he's the usual leader in the team's
defense, the backline will lack stability without him around
Nagoya Grampus will win the match.
HEAD TO HEAD
Nagoya
Grampus lost 0-3 at home and won 4-1 away last year.
Kashima Antlers midfielder Mitsuo Ogasawara has
scored 6 goals in previous confrontations.