On July 2, Shanghai Shenhua met Tianjin Jinmen Tigers at their home stadium at 17:30 GMT in the 14th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL). So far, Shenhua is undefeated in all matches this season, while Jinmen Tigers' performance is also eye-catching. Shenhua has won four consecutive matches in the FA Cup and the Chinese Super League, and is second only to Shanghai Harbour in the table with 32 points, while Jinmen Tigers are fourth in the Chinese Super League table with five wins and eight draws.
As far as hard power is concerned, Shenhua is undoubtedly better, with a team value of up to 13 million euros, while the Jinmen Tigers are slightly inferior, at about 10 million euros. The two teams' past records are quite stagnant, with Shenhua winning 6, drawing 2 and losing 4 of their last 12 matches. Especially last season, Jinmen Tigers had given Shenhua quite a headache. Shenhua, on the other hand, has remained undefeated in the last two rounds, with scores of 1-1 and a draw of 5-2.
It is worth mentioning that both teams have performed well on the defensive end. Jinmen Tigers only conceded 3 goals on the road, and Shenhua only conceded 7 goals this season. On the offensive side, the two teams are in pretty good shape, with Jinmen Tiger having a slight edge, scoring 17 goals in the first 13 rounds and Shenhua scoring 15. In this case, the matchup will undoubtedly be a fierce battle.
Before the match, Shenhua head coach Wu Jingui and assistant coach Wang Haijian attended the press conference. Wu Jingui commented on the team's recent situation and confirmed that Yu Hanchao, who is back from suspension, will return to the field, which is undoubtedly a big boost for the team. Hanchao maintains a good mindset every time he plays, while newcomer Dai Weijun is also actively preparing for the match, getting along well with the international players in the team and training in good condition, so he is expected to make his debut in the match.
Considering Wang Haijian's steady play and Xu Haoyang's excellent form, Dai Weijun may make his debut as a substitute. After all, he hasn't played an official match for a long time and needs time to adapt to the rhythm of the game. Wu Jingui's past coaching habits suggest that Shenhua's starting lineup is basically set, with players such as Wang Haijian, Xu Haoyang, Jiang Shenglong and Zhu Chenjie all expected to return to the starting lineup.
In front of the field, Han Chao, Malalei, Teixeira will form the attacking trident; midfield, played by Wang Haijian, Amadou, Xu Hao Yang; backline by the young man surnamed Wen, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong, Yann Xinli four partners; goalkeeper is Bao Yaxiong. Basogo also needs time to adjust and will also play as a substitute. If Basogo and Dai Weijun can find their way back to form in the game, they will be expected to be in the starting lineup for the next game, and Shenhua's road to the title will be brighter, with the winning streak expected to continue at a pace that is worth all the fans' anticipation.
