At 19:35 on July 21st, in Round 24 of the Chinese Super League (CSL), Shanghai Port will host Qingdao Hainiu at home. Shanghai Port hopes to take all three points to solidify their lead at the top of the table, while relegation-threatened Qingdao Hainiu will find it challenging to escape unscathed.
Currently in the CSL standings, Shanghai Port leads with 51 points from 16 wins and 3 draws without a loss, while Qingdao Hainiu sits in 10th place with 19 points from 5 wins, 4 draws, and 10 losses.
As reigning champions, Shanghai Port has been incredibly dominant this season, securing 12 consecutive victories in the league. Despite their impressive run, Shanghai Shenhua continues to chase closely behind. With only a two-point advantage over Shanghai Shenhua, Shanghai Port cannot afford to let up.
Shanghai Port’s attacking prowess is formidable, with Wu Lei contributing an astonishing 21 goals and 8 assists in 22 appearances, Gustavo adding 13 goals and 3 assists, Oscar providing 10 goals and 15 assists, and Baljá scoring 9 goals and 7 assists. The F4 attacking quartet of Shanghai Port is virtually unstoppable! Currently, Shanghai Port has scored 59 goals in the league, significantly more than any other team, making them the most potent offensive force in the CSL!
Despite Shanghai Port’s clear superiority, head coach Muscat remains cautious: “In the past few days, the team has done well in recovery, both mentally and psychologically. We will respect every opponent and take every game seriously. We hope to perform up to our capabilities in this match as well.”
Qingdao Hainiu is only three points above the relegation zone and faces significant pressure to avoid relegation. In the previous two league matches, Qingdao Hainiu faced derby rivals, managing to secure four points against Qingdao West Coast and Shandong Taishan, which considerably alleviated their relegation concerns. However, facing the rampant league leaders, Shanghai Port, Qingdao Hainiu will have a tough task in earning points.
In Qingdao Hainiu’s lineup, top scorer Boakye has contributed 5 goals and 1 assist, while Wang Jianming (3 goals), Kanga (3 goals, 4 assists), and Diego (3 goals) are also key attacking players. Qingdao Hainiu’s offensive capabilities are concerning, having scored only 18 goals in the league so far, second-lowest in the CSL after Meizhou Hakka (13 goals).
In previous encounters, Shanghai Port holds the upper hand with 4 wins and 2 losses; in the matches played at Shanghai Port’s home ground, Shanghai Port has won both games.
>>For more predictions and analysis for this match, please click >>>