On November 28, Shandong Taishan will host Kaya in the fifth round of the AFC Champions League group stage. Qilu Evening News writes that Taishan must win this match.
On the night of the 25th, Taishan returned to Jinan overnight in order to prepare for the AFC Champions League. Moises, Jadson and Fernando are all available for the AFC Cup final, which is a big advantage for Taishan. Facing Kaya, Taishan will most likely rotate their personnel and some relatively young players will have a chance to play. Currently, Fellaini is another variable in Taishan's team. the veteran didn't return to Jinan with the team after the match on the 25th, so he might take a rest in this match.
For Taishan, this is a must-win game. Once Taishan gets three points, there is a high probability that they will lock up a place in the tournament, regardless of whether Yokohama Mariners can win the final round. Currently, Yokohama Mariners and Shandong Taishan have an average of 9 points, ranking first and second in the group respectively. According to the rules, the first group of five and the second group of three with the best results in the East Asian Zone will advance to the knockout rounds. Taishan is already in the second group with the highest number of points in the East Asia Zone and has already taken the initiative to qualify. If the team can beat Kaya, it will reach 12 points and could be the Chinese Super League player to advance to the knockout stage. The sooner they are sure of advancing or not, the sooner they are sure of advancing or not.
In addition, it is likely that the Taishan team will hold a farewell ceremony for Moises before this game to thank the meritorious foreigner for his contribution.
