The battle between Shanghai Shenhua and Beijing Guoan, two teams rooted in China's professional leagues, has always been an exciting and blood-boiling feast, and has become one of the annual highlights of the Chinese Super League. This year, the first round of the league ushered in the Beijing-Shanghai duel, so that the two teams cherish this encounter. On the eve of the game, Cui Kangxi was mysterious and Bilic was clever, adding more unique flavor to the game.
Compared to last year, Shenhua's biggest change is undoubtedly the midfield, the introduction of the national team's midfield core Wu Xi and foreign aid Adrian, the team's midfield strength has increased greatly, but also for the staffing and tactical arrangements to provide more possibilities. At present, Shenhua has a lot of talent in the midfield, in addition to the newly joined Wu Xi and Adrian, there are Moreno, Peng Xinli, Qian Jie to, Sun Shilin, Qin Sheng, Zhu Baojie and so on. Before the league's four warm-up games, Shenhua midfield personnel combinations change frequently, almost every game presents a different lineup.
Guoan's midfield is also extraordinary strength, a collection of famous players, with a strong midfield layout, Guoan is able to play a pleasing pass-control soccer. In today's pre-match press conference, a reporter asked: "How do you see Shenhua and Guoan's midfield duel?"
Choi Kang-hee responded, "This year, we have strengthened in several positions, especially in the shortcomings, which is why we have expectations for the season. Guoan's attacking organization is very strong, and the midfield is also very good, we have prepared for this." However, Choi Kang-hee repeatedly emphasized that no specific starting lineup has been determined yet.
For the same midfield problem, Guoan head coach Bilic said: "In a closed environment to prepare for the game, we get more information rely on historical data, so it is more important to have a quick reaction on the field. Shenhua has always been very stable and strong, and with the reinforcements they have made, they are not to be underestimated. I think the game will not be a one-sided situation, it will be played back and forth, the key to see who can better grasp the situation on the field of play." In fact, from the two sides in recent years, Shenhua is clearly in the disadvantage. Bilic also added: "At least on paper, Shenhua is on a par with us, so the game will be very interesting. We are ready to improve ourselves through the game and this fixture will also require us to be at our best from the start."
