Shandong Luneng's goal defense is rock solid, with star goalkeeper Wang Dalei guarding the position as usual. Coach Cui Kangxi seems intent on sticking with a solid 4-guard system, with Liu Yang, Shi Ke, Jia Desong and youngster Tong Lei expected to form a solid backline in the starting lineup, with Shi Ke and Jia Desong partnering up in central defense, and Liu Yang and Tong Lei guarding the left and right wings respectively.
In the midfield, the experienced Zheng Zheng successfully transformed into a back-rower in the AFC Champions League, and his excellent intercepting and ball-breaking abilities will be the key to the double back-row defense constructed by his partner Peng Xinli. Evergrande veteran Li Yuanyi is expected to play a commanding role in the midfield, complementing the side impacts of Kazaishvili and Xie Wenneng, while naturalized player Fernando is likely to remain on standby as a substitute.
On the front line, Cressan will undoubtedly be the spearhead of Shandong Luneng, who will be charging forward to open up the game for his team.
Accordingly, the projected starting lineup for Shandong Luneng's battle 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.
