In the backline, Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Guangtai are the center back duo of the national soccer team. In the East Asian Cup two years ago, the national soccer team defeated Japan 0-0. The center backs in that game were Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Guangtai. In the left back position, Taishan's Liu Yang was trusted by Ivan. Due to the scarcity of left backs in the national soccer team, Liu Yang's position is hard to shake as long as there are no problems with his health. In the right back position, Gao Junyi has the strongest overall ability and Ivan will probably start him.
In the midfield position, the national soccer team is likely to field a double back to strengthen the defense against Japan. Taishan's Li Yuanyi and Henan's Wang Shangyuan are expected to start. For the two forward candidates, Ivan will consider Fernando and Xu Hao Yang, who are from Shenhua. They attack and defend one after the other, which could be a good balance between the team's offensive and defensive configurations.
Up front, Wu Lei, who scored 28 goals in the CSL, is sure to get the starting spot, and he will also be the field captain of the national soccer team. The competition for the other position is fierce. Alan, Baihe Lamu and Zhang Yuning all have a chance to get that starting spot.
However, considering the national soccer team's away challenge against Japan, Ivan may opt to debut the young Byhramu. This is aimed at wearing out the opposition. In the second half, send the likes of Alan and Zhang Yuning in search of deadly chances.
National soccer team starting 11:
Goalkeeper: Wang Dalei
Defenders: Gao Junyi, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Guangtai, Liu Yang
Midfield: Fernando, Li Yuanyi, Wang Shangyuan, Xu Haoyang
Forward: Alan, Wu Lei
