In front of the gate of Shanghai fortress, international Yan Junling will guard the city of Shanghai harbor as usual. As for the layout of the backline, Coach Mourinho may continue his trademark four-guard system, where the four defenders expected to start are Li Shuai, Jiang Guangtai, Li Ang and Fu Huan. Among them, naturalized player Jiang Guangtai and Li Ang will join hands to form a solid double center back barrier, while Li Shuai and Fu Huan will spread their wings on both flanks, and Stanley Wong, a veteran, is on standby to make up for any gaps that may arise.
On the midfield battlefield, Brazilian star Mateusz Jusa will undoubtedly be a key node in Shanghai Seaport's interceptions and ball breaks. His double back pairing with compatriot Léo Citadini will provide a solid barrier for the team's midfield. Oscar, the soul of the midfield, will sit in front of the two Brazilian backs, scheduling the team's attacking rhythm and leading the team to attack the opponent's defense. In the forward line, William Pope, the AFC Champions League killer, is undoubtedly the core of Shanghai Harbour's offense. Beside him, Argentinean fast horse Vargas and Chinese Super League's local "Crow" Feng Jin will attack from both sides respectively. It is worth mentioning that China's top striker Wu Lei, who has not yet fully recovered from his injury, is likely to rotate in the starting lineup, while Brazilian striker Gustavo will also serve as a substitute. To summarize, Shanghai Seaport's expected starting lineup for the AFC Champions League group stage match against Kawasaki Strikers is as follows: Yan Junling; Li Shuai, Jiang Guangtai, Li Ang, Fu Huan; Mateusz Ruiza, Léo Chitardini, Oscar; Vargas, William Pope, Feng Jin.
