Both fixtures feature a contest between an early press and the next pass through it. Kyoto can win the ball high, while Kashima have runners who can attack behind a lifted wingback. Shimizu also want to defend forward, with Machida seeking width once its first pass escapes. In each match, the second contact near the box should shape the result.
Kyoto made an early chance from pressure at Hiroshima but then spent much of the match defending repeated attacks. Kashima can release Cavric beyond the wingback, find Leo Ceara in the box and use restarts when open play stalls. Elias left Kyoto's earlier match injured and missed the latest one, though the extent of the injury is unconfirmed; Tulio did appear from the bench. Kashima's separate routes to a finish carry more weight for me than Kyoto's brief early pressure, so I'm siding with Kashima Antlers to win.
Shimizu's Oh gives them a direct first contact, and Yumiba's delivery can bring the next runner into play. Yoshida wants his side to defend higher after a retreat let Gamba recycle attacks; Machida's width can test that resolve, although Kyoto recently made substantial chances against Machida's block. Oh played Shimizu's last game, and Shimoda's reported return from suspension is not being treated as an absence. Shimizu can press early, collect the clearance and keep enough possession to answer a Machida attack. That's why I'm siding with Shimizu S-Pulse to take a result.
