Shanghai Shenhua will welcome Pohang Steelers to Shanghai Stadium in the AFC Champions League Elite on Tuesday. The hosts will hope to stretch their winning run while the visitors are struggling for form.
Shenhua vs Pohang Preview
Shanghai Shenhua finished fifth in the 2023 Chinese Super League but won the Chinese FA Cup to earn qualification for the AFC Champions League Elite. They are making a return to the competition for the 11th time after a four-year absence. The hosts last played in the competition in 2020, when they crashed out in the group stage.
Shenhua also have their focus on the 2024 Chinese Super League title, with five rounds of matches to wrap up the season. They sit second on 64 points, trailing top-placed Shanghai Port by only two points. Shanghai Shenhua will enter Tuesday’s meeting on the back of four straight wins. They boast 26 wins in their last 32 matches.
Pohang booked their place in the AFC Champions League Elite after clinching the 2023 Korean FA Cup and finishing second in the K League 1. They are appearing in the continental competition for the 11th time. The former AFC Champions League winners were eliminated in the quarterfinals in the previous edition.
The Steelers are fighting to snatch a continental slot in the ongoing K League 1, with eight matchdays to spare. They sit sixth with 44 points – 10 points behind the top spot. Pohang dropped nine points in their last three league matches, compounding issues for the team in the final lap of the domestic campaign.
Shenhua vs Pohang Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Shanghai Shenhua have won their last five matches at home in all competitions.
- Shanghai Shenhua are yet to win the AFC Champions League Elite title while Pohang have won it on three occasions.
- Shanghai Shenhua have scored 15 goals and conceded eight in their last five matches in all competitions.
- Pohang have won once, drawn once and lost thrice in their last five matches on the road.
- Shanghai Shenhua have won four times and lost once in their last five matches while Pohang have won once, drawn once and lost thrice. Form Guide: Shanghai Shenhua – W-W-W-W-L, Pohang – L-L-W-L-D.
Shenhua vs Pohang Prediction
Shanghai Shenhua are in the form of their life heading into this clash and will look forward to replicating their brilliance in their AFC Champions League Elite's opening game.
Pohang are struggling but they are a more experienced side in this competition and will likely make the most of that factor in this fixture.
Shanghai Shenhua are the favorites based on form, home advantage and momentum.
Prediction: Shanghai Shenhua 3-1 Pohang Steelers
Shenhua vs Pohang Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result – Shanghai Shenhua to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals – Yes
Tip 3: Shenhua to score first – Yes
Tip 4: Pohang to score - Yes