On the 18th of February, in this week 1 match, Kyoto Sanga plays host to Kashima Antlers in a clash of these two closely matched J-League teams. Weather on match day is looking like a cloudy and cool day, with daytime temperatures of only 9 degrees, making for an unpleasant day. Kyoto Sanga has not played yet this season, and neither has Kashima Antlers.
After earning 36 points last season and finishing 16th, Kyoto Sanga is ready to start the new season, while Kashima Antlers starts the year after ending last season in 4th place.