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Brighton and Hove Albion are back in action on Wednesday when they take on Japanese side Kashima Antlers in a friendly at the Japan National Stadium. The Seagulls head into the match fresh off the back of a shock defeat against Basingstoke Town and will be looking to bounce back quickly.
Kashima Antlers ensured they remained within touching distance of Machida Zelvia at the top of the J1 League table as they picked up a 2-1 victory over FC Tokyo last Saturday.
Before that, Ranko Popović’s men suffered a 4-1 defeat against Yokohama FM on July 14 which saw their run of two consecutive wins come to an end.
Kashima Antlers have picked up 44 points from their 24 J1 League matches to sit third in the table, five points behind first-placed Machida Zelvia.
Brighton and Hove Albion, meanwhile, were denied a dream start to their pre-season fixtures as they fell to a 2-1 loss against English amateur side Basingstoke Town last time out.
The Seagulls have now lost three games on the bounce, having suffered back-to-back defeats against Chelsea and Manchester United in their final two games of the 2023-24 Premier League campaign.
Brighton will head into the new season to improve on their performance from last term as they finished 11th in the Premier League table with 48 points from 38 games.
Kashima Antlers vs Brighton and Hove Albion Head-To-Head and Key Numbers
- This will be the first-ever meeting between Kashima Antlers and Brighton, who will both be looking to begin their rivalry on a positive note.
- Brighton have failed to win their last four matches across all competitions, losing three and claiming one draw since a 1-0 victory over Aston Villa on May 5.
- Kashima Antlers are unbeaten in eight of their last 10 matches across all competitions, claiming six wins and two draws since late May.
- Brighton are without a win in nine consecutive away games across all competitions, losing six and claiming three draws since April’s 5-0 victory at Sheffield United.
Kashima Antlers vs Brighton and Hove Albion Prediction
Brighton’s lack of fitness and match sharpness was evident in their opening pre-season game against Basingstoke and we see them struggling against Kashima Antlers, who have won three of their last four matches. However, we predict a thrilling contest at the Japan National Stadium, with both sides canceling out each other’s efforts.
Prediction: Kashima Antlers 2-2 Brighton and Hove Albion
Kashima Antlers vs Brighton and Hove Albion Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Draw
Tip 2: Over 2.5 goals - Yes (There have been three or more goals scored in four of Kashima Antlers’ last five games)
Tip 3: Both sides to score - Yes (Both sides have also scored in eight of Kashima’s last 10 matches)
