Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Tigers prediction
Shanghai Shenhua
Shanghai got hit with a 10-point penalty from the federation at the start of this season, and if it weren’t for that, Leo Slutskiy’s squad would be comfortably in 2nd place just behind Chengdu. Unfortunately, Shenhua sit in 11th place, as their last match against Beizheng Goan was postponed due to the threat of a super typhoon. After back-to-back victories against Zhejiang (3-2) and Dalian Ingbo (4-1), the Russian coach’s team is now forced to jump back into action after a brief break.
The home team is still in the mix, though they’re in the unfamiliar role of playing catch-up under Slutskiy’s three-year reign with the red-and-blue. The team is heavily attack-oriented, causing frequent defensive lapses. In 5 out of their last 6 matches, "Shanghai's Colors" have had both teams score. Zhang Shenlong (kidney issues), Saulo Mineiro and Jin Shinkai (rib fracture) will be missing from the lineup against Tianjin due to injuries. However, Raphael Ratao and the rest are ready to take charge despite these absences.
Tianjin Tigers
The "Golden Gate Tigers" have shown inconsistent form this season and currently find themselves in the relegation zone at 15th place. Yet without the 10-point penalty at the start, they would be nestled in 11th, right next to Shenhua.
The situation isn’t entirely bleak for the guests, who have been without match play for two weeks due to weather conditions. Before the hiatus, Yu Genwei’s squad decisively trounced Shenzhen 3-0 at home, leaving on a positive note. They're 6 points shy of safety with a game in hand, and if they maintain this level of play, relegation might be avoided, especially with half the season still to go. While their defense is shaky, their attacking prowess holds promise, resulting in goals for both sides in 7 of their last 10 encounters.
Prediction
The prospect of both teams finding the net in this clash is more or less a given. Both struggle to maintain a balanced approach and lean heavily on offensive play.
In three of their last four meetings, the teams have delivered on this bet, including in their first-round clash where Shanghai managed a thrilling 3-2 away victory against the Tigers in early April. The bet was settled within the first 45 minutes then. With the break, a similarly action-packed exchange seems highly likely, especially considering the teams have had time to channel their readiness post-hiatus. Expect a goal-fest in Shanghai, just like in Tianjin in their earlier bout, as both sides look inclined to deliver on this joint effort.
