Kashima Antlers striker Leo Ceara has recovered from an injury sustained against Gamba Osaka at the end of May and started in their last match, but Yuma Suzuki came off the bench at halftime on Wednesday to score a hat-trick, potentially earning him a starting spot this weekend as a result.

Supporting Suzuki in attack will likely be Yuta Higuchi in an attacking midfield role, along with Yuta Matsumura and Talles on the wings.

For Sanfrecce Hiroshima, goalkeeper Keisuke Osako has been absent for several games due to international commitments, but he is expected to be available for Saturday's encounter.

If Osako starts, coach Skibbe may opt for a defensive trio of Tsukasa Shiotani, Hayato Araki, and Sho Sasaki to protect the goalkeeper.

Meanwhile, attacking midfielder Mutsuki Kato was sent off in their League Cup game against Fukuoka, but he could return to the lineup this weekend after missing their Emperor's Cup victory on Wednesday.

Kashima Antlers possible starting lineup:

Hayakawa; Koike, Ueda, Kim, Mizoguchi; Shibasaki, Misao; Matsumura, Higuchi, Brener; Suzuki

Sanfrecce Hiroshima possible starting lineup:

Osako; Shiotani, Araki, Sasaki; Nakano, Higashi, Kawabe, Arai; V Germain, Kato; R Germain