With a solid lineup, Shandong Luneng's goalkeeper is none other than Wang Dalei, who is rock solid in defending the team's defense. In the backline, coach Cui Kangxi seems to favor an impenetrable 4-guard system, with the starting lineup expected to be led by Liu Yang, Shi Ke, Jia Desong and rookie Tong Lei. Shi Ke and Jia Desong will partner with the center backs, while Liu Yang and Tong Lei will play the role of the sea pin on the left and right respectively.
In the midfield, the veteran Zheng Zheng, who has been a star performer in the AFC Champions League, will be transformed into a back-rower and will continue to play a key role in both offense and defense, with interceptions and ball-breaking being his specialty. Alongside him will be new Shenhua veteran Peng Xinli, who is expected to form a sturdy double back. In addition, former Evergrande player Li Yuanyi is expected to play as the brains of the attack on the AFC Champions League stage, forming an offensive and defensive link with the two fast horses on the wings, Kazayishvili and Xie Wenneng. Naturalized player Fernando is likely to remain as a substitute, ready to play at any time.
Up front, Cressan will undoubtedly be the team's first attacker, and he'll be charging up front to open the scoring for Luneng.
On balance, Shandong Luneng's expected starting lineup in the matchup with Changchun Yatai is as follows: Wang Dalei; Liu Yang, Shi Ke, Jia Desong, Tong Lei; Zheng Zheng, Peng Xinli; Kazayishvili, Li Yuanyi, Xie Wenneng; Kressan.
