However, it should not be overlooked that the Yokohama Mariners are not to be underestimated. Facing Shandong Luneng, this battle will undoubtedly be a fierce duel full of variables, and Choi Kang-hee will have to remain extremely vigilant and give his best. Undoubtedly, in order to prove his strength, Choi will definitely go all out with his strongest lineup.
In the goalkeeper position, Wang Dalei is sitting firmly in the Luneng goal; in the defensive end, in order to guarantee safety, Cui Kangxi may give up the conventional four-back formation. Liu Yang, Jia Desong, Shi Ke and Dalian veteran Tong Lei is expected to become the first four defenders. Among them, Jia Desong, Shi Ke partner center back; Liu Yang and Tong Lei on both sides, as a side back. Jia Desong, as a Brazilian defender, plays the role of a lynchpin in the team.
In the midfield, Shenhua veteran Peng Xinli will undoubtedly be responsible for intercepting and stealing Luneng's midfield and backfield; with Peng Xinli partnering the double back, not Zheng Zheng, the meritorious veteran cameo back. In the midfield, former Evergrande centerpiece Li Yuanyi will be tasked with planning and managing the attack, dominating the team's offense; the fast wing players on both sides of the field may be challenged by new foreigner Kazaishvili and local talent Xie Wenneng. Naturalized player Fernando is on the bench, ready to shine.
On the front line, Cressan is still the leader, and he is the strongest striker who destroys the enemy's city and captures the enemy's fortress by charging forward. Accordingly, Shandong Luneng's starting lineup against Yokohama Mariners is expected to be: Wang Dalei; Liu Yang, Jadason, Shi Ke and Tong Lei; Peng Xinli and Zheng Zheng; Li Yuanyi, Kazayishvili and Xie Wenneng; and Kressan.
