Guangzhou Evergrande is set to go toe-to-toe with Shanghai Shenhua in a blockbuster Chinese Super League clash tomorrow, August 30, at the Dalian Pro Soccer Academy Base.
The champions endured a disappointing draw against basement club Dalian Pro last time out. Evergrande will be desperate to bounce back after the same, as it aims to strengthen its place at the top of the table. The team has set the pace with five wins, one draw and a loss.
Consistency is proving hard to come by for Shanghai Shenhua, however, as it is unable to pull together a string of wins. Shenhua is in fourth place, but will regret not coming away with the three points against the likes of Henan Jianye and Guangzhou R&F.
Shanghai Shenhua has lost seven of its last eight matches against Guangzhou Evergrande in all competitions, which is another worrying sign for them.
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Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande: Head-to-head
Chinese Super League giant Guangzhou Evergrande has enjoyed a mammoth advantage over Shanghai Shenhua in past matches. Across a total of 24 games played between the two, the former has come out on top 17 times. Shenhua has only won on four occasions, while both teams have shared the spoils three times.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande: Form Guide
Last five matches (Chinese Super League)
Shanghai Shenhua: D-L-W-D-W
Guangzhou Evergrande: D-W-W-L-W
Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande: Team News
Shanghai Shenhua
Both sides have a host of players missing. The biggest blow to Shanghai Shenhua will be the absence of star forward Stephan El Shaarawy, who recently departed for international duty with Italy.
Kim Shin-Wook's injury continues to trouble the team, while Shenhua will also enter the game without Zeng Cheng and Feng Xiaoting as the pair face their former side.
Injuries: Kim Shin-Wook
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
Unavailable: Stephan El Shaarawy, Zeng Cheng and Feng Xiaoting
Guangzhou Evergrande
Luo Guofo and Liao Lisheng will continue their spell on the sidelines, while Zhang Lingpeng is suspended. Wei Shihao is another player unlikely to feature as he is a fitness doubt.
Injured: Luo Guofo, Liao Lisheng
Doubtful: Wei Shihao
Suspended: Zhang Linpeng
Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande: Probable XI
Shanghai Shenhua predicted XI (4-4-2): Li Shuai; Zhao Mingjian, Zhu Chenjie, Bi Jinhao, Wen Jiabao; Cao Yunding, Peng Xinli, Qian Jiegei, Giovanni Moreno; Zhu Baojie, Yang Xu
Guangzhou Evergrande predicted XI (4-1-4-1): Liu Dianzuo; Mei Fang, Jiang Guangtai, Ji-Su Park, Gao Zhunyi; Zou Zheng; Talisca, Xu Xin, Paulinho, Yang Liyu; Ai Kesen
Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande: Match Prediction
Guangzhou Evergrande could prove too good for a side that is still finding its feet in the tournament. Evergrande's in-game management, sharpness in turnover of possession and the sheer quality in its ranks will fire the champions to their sixth win of the season.
Predicted score: Shanghai Shenhua 1-3 Guangzhou Evergrande
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