In the post of goalkeeper, when the main goalkeeper Yan Junling will stick to the team's defense; as for the layout of the defense line, Coach Muscat will continue SIPG's usual four defenders system, the first four defenders will most likely be composed of Stanley Wang, Jiang Guangtai, He Habitat and Wang Zhenao. Among them, Jiang Guangtai and He Hubiao will partner with the double center backs, while Wang Shenchao and Wang Zhenao will play as the two wing backs. Zhang Lin Yun may be rotated and standby on the bench, while disillusioned defender He Hubu is expected to come on as a substitute.
In the midfield, Xu Xin will undoubtedly continue to play a key role in intercepting and snapping up SIPG's center and backfield; Brazilian foreigner Mateus Joussa will form a double-back partnership with Xu Xin. Spanish player Matias Vargas, a former teammate of Wu Lei, is expected to assist Oscar in leading Shanghai SIPG's attack up front, partnering with Lv Wenjun and Brazilian newcomer Léo Citadini. As for Oscar, there is uncertainty about his appearance.
In the forward line, Wu Lei may be rotated due to his return from the national team, and Brazilian super striker Gustavo is expected to fill in the gap, having recovered from his injury and returned to the field. Accordingly, Hong Kong's starting lineup against Henan is expected to be as follows: Yan Junling; Wang Zhenao, Jiang Guangtai, He Jiao, Wang Shenchao; Xu Xin, Mateus Joussa; Lv Wenjun, Matias Vargas, Léo Chitardini; Gustavo.
