Kashima Antlers coach Masatada Ishii will resist the urge to rest some of his key players when the newly crowned J. League champions take on New Zealand amateurs Auckland City in the opening game of the Club World Cup on Thursday.

Antlers face Auckland, in what will be the 100th game of the Club World Cup, only five days after collecting their eighth J. League title with a come-from-behind 2-1 win over Urawa Reds in the second leg of the J. League Championship final.

"Of course I need to pay attention to the condition of the players, but right now I am thinking of going with the usual group," Ishii said on the eve of the match at Nissan Stadium.