Kashima Antlers v Real Madrid- Preview and possible lineups

TEAM NEWS:

Kashima Antlers: 

The Japanese club head into this encounter having had to play more games than their European opponents, but they will take confidence from having won through to the semi-final stage.

Kashima will know all about 'Los Blancos' as they fell to the Spanish giants in the final of the 2016 edition of the tournament. Nevertheless, the fact that they pushed Madrid into the depths of extra-time will give them hope of beating them on Wednesday. 

The only injury doubt for the side for this encounter is striker Yuma Suzuki, who sat out of the last round with a muscle problem. He is unlikely to recover in time to face Madrid.

Real Madrid:

Santiago Solari's side enter into the competition as holders, having won the last two editions of the tournament. Nevertheless, they will not be underestimating the Asian champions for this semi-final clash, as they are well aware that, on their day, Kashima can be very hard to beat. 

Madrid's away record this season could be a bad omen for the European champions; only six wins in thirteen away fixtures so far this season, could spell disaster in Abu Dhabi. To boot, Solari's side have been winning recently, but their less-than-convincing performances also cast doubt on their hopes.

In terms of team news, Casemiro and Nacho could make long-awaited returns from injury. Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale could also be fit to return, after picking up knocks during La Liga action this weekend. Other than that, Solari is expected to field a strong side on Wednesday.

PRE-MATCH MUSINGS...

Go Oiwa(Kashima): 

"As I have always said Real Madrid are Real Madrid and I don't know if we are closer, but this time we will do our best to try to reach the final."

"With or without Cristiano Ronaldo, Real Madrid are very strong, as there are many other players who can score."

"We represent Japan and Asia and we will fight as a group."

Santiago Solari (Madrid):

"This team has achieved extraordinary things and we want to retain the title"

"We must be a team which dominates the game, attacks, goes for victory, scores goals, and never gives in. To achieve that you must work on a lot of things; tactical, technical, physical."

"The great majority of them are doing that, working very hard, and they are very enthusiastic about this competition."

FORM GUIDE: 

DID YOU KNOW?

These sides have only ever played each other once before; back in 2016. 

Real Madrid won the only ever match between these sides 4-2, yet needed extra time in order to assert their advantage over the Asian champions. 

The top scorer in the Club World Cup, and the history of Real Madrid, is Cristiano Ronaldo. Although he will not add to his tally this year after a summer move to Juventus.

POSSIBLE LINEUPS:

Kashima Antlers: Kwoun; Uchida, Jung, Shoji, Yamamoto; Endo, Nagaki, Leo Silva, Leandro; Doi, Serginho

Real Madrid: Courtois; Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo; Ceballos, Llorente, Kroos; Bale, Vinicius Asensio