Kashima's clean sheet against Gamba is a tempting shortcut for Cong An Ha Noi–Kashima, but the common opponent points in two directions. Kashima won while allowing Gamba plenty of chances; Cong An Ha Noi lost to Gamba despite creating chances of its own. I’m watching whether Cong An Ha Noi can move its attacks into the box while keeping Kashima from getting there as often. One shared opponent gives us a question, not a verdict.
In the recorded Gamba games, Kashima allowed 12 shots and 1.71 xG but scored twice; Cong An Ha Noi took 14 shots and 1.36 xG, with half of those attempts from inside the box, while Gamba produced 2.12 xG. Those matches came in different competitions and game states, so the numbers cannot tell us how this meeting will unfold.
