On August 31st, Beijing time, at 19:35, a scorching quarter-final match of the FA Cup is about to kick off. In this marquee matchup, Beijing Guoan will return home to challenge Shandong Luneng, an FA Cup powerhouse with a long history.
Guoan has been playing eye-catching in the recent Chinese Super League (CSL) matches, and has achieved three wins and one draw in four consecutive rounds, accumulating 10 points and successfully advancing to the top four of the CSL, even surpassing Zhejiang. However, compared with the top of the list of Shanghai seaport, Guoan has been 12 points behind, the suspense of the Super League title almost broken. Losing the right to compete for the title, Guoan's new goal is to win the AFC Cup.
Facing the powerful Shandong Luneng, Guoan will surely approach the game with a more cautious attitude in the quarterfinals. Head coach Luis Suarez will go all out and send out his strongest lineup without any reservations. Here is a speculation on the possible starting lineup of Guoan:
In goal, Han Jiaqi will undoubtedly be Guoan's first choice. In the back line, Ngaardew and Zhang Chengdong will partner with the center backs, while Li Lei and Wang Gang will guard the left and right sides respectively. Midfield interceptions, Ji Zhongguo the international level iron waist will play a key role, and Li Ke and Ji Zhongguo will form a double back.
At the heart of the offense, Zhang Xizhe will lead Guoan's forward attack. As for the forward line, newcomer Fabio Abreu will form a trident with Kang Xiangyou and Yang Liyu.
To summarize, it is expected that Guoan's starting lineup for the crucial AFC Cup showdown with Luneng will include Han Jiaqi, Li Lei, Ngadeu, Zhang Chendong, Wang Gang, Ji Zhongguo, Li Ke, Zhang Xunzhe, Fabio Abreu, Jiang Xiangyou and Yang Liyu.
