Focusing on the Shanghai harbor, Australian boss Muscat has decisively put together the strongest possible lineup for the match. Brazilian star Oscar, who used to play for Chelsea in the English Premier League and now leads the Chinese Super League in assists, Argentine striker Vargas and five other foreign powerhouses were on the field. Local scorer Wu Lei is also on the bench, as well as new and old internationals such as Zhang Lin Yun.
Seaport's starting lineup was revealed: goalkeeper Yan Junling, a backline consisting of Wang Shenchao, Jiang Guangtai, Wei Zhen, and Li Shuai, a midfield with Chitadini, Rusa, and Oscar, and a forward line with Vargas, Gustavo, and Wu Lei.
The bench also includes strong players such as Chen Wei, Li Ang, Zhang Linpeng, Cai Huikang and Yang Shiyuan.
On the contrary, Tianjin Jinmen Tigers, former national soccer coach Yu Genwei's strategy was reserved, starting with only two foreigners. Foreigners such as Kompanyo, Ademi and international player Wang Qiuming were left on the bench and seemed to have reservations about the game.
Jinmen Tigers starting lineup is Yan Bingliang, Su Yuanjie, Diogo, Wang Xianjun, Guo Hao, midfielders Qian Yumiao, Shi Yan, Huang Jiahui, Gao Huazhe, and strikers Hadas and Liu Junxian.
Players on the bench included Wang Qiuming, Ademi, Compagno and Barton.
The winner will advance to the semifinals of the AFC Cup to face off against the winner of the match between Shanghai Shenhua and Beijing Guoan.
