Shanghai Shenhua vs Cangzhou Mighty Lions

Chinese Super League pacesetters Shanghai Shenhua play host to newly-promoted Cangzhou Mighty Lions at the Hongkou Stadium.

Since being held to a 1-1 draw to Cangzhou in the reverse fixture a fortnight ago, Shanghai Shenhua have alternated between victory and defeat in their last three league matches (W2, L1). Despite a topsy-turvy period, the hosts are still six points clear of second-placed Henan, mainly thanks to their mesmerizing home performances. Following a run of three top-flight home outings without winning (D2, L1), during which they scored just once, Mao Yijun’s men have won their last three Super League home fixtures in a row by an aggregate score of 8-1. Shanghai’s home action usually sparks into life after half-time, with a clear majority (86.36%) of their Super League home goals scored/conceded this season arriving in the second half of play (19/22). It’s worth noting that all of their seven home league goals shipped thus far came beyond HT.

As for Cangzhou Mighty Lions, a run of three Super League wins on the bounce should set them up nicely for this fixture as they aim at extending their unbeaten H2H streak to three matches (W1, D1). However, the visitors have failed to win both previous top-flight games away to Shanghai (D1, L1), scoring just once in the process. Furthermore, Svetozar Sapuric’s men eked out a 2-1 victory at Dalian Pro in their most recent Super League travel to post their first win on hostile turf since returning to the top-flight this season (D2, L6). Any hope of making it two triumphs in a row will hinge on Cangzhou’s ability to draw first blood, as they’ve lost seven of the eight Super League fixtures when conceding the opener this term (D1).