Japan: Kashima Antlers Looking To Seize Third Straight Title

Kashima Antlers are in sight of a third consecutive Japanese title and it could all happen on Saturday.

The Ibaraki team moved two points clear of Kawasaki Frontale last week at the top of the table.

With two games remaining, a win for Kashima at home to Gamba Osaka this afternoon will spark a huge party if Kawasaki fail to take three points at home to Albirex Niigata.

Nobody is counting chickens just yet however as Gamba are in third just three points behind their hosts.

A win for the visitors could put them top going into the final weekend. It should be some match as Kashima’s Masashi Motoyama expects.

"Gamba are a fantastic passing team," Motoyama said according to The Daily Yomuiri.

"We'll have to keep them under pressure throughout the 90 minutes."

Team-mate Shinzo Koroki knows what needs to be done.

"We're a tough team to beat when we score first," said the international.

"I'm hoping to perform like I've never performed before."