On August 3 at 19:35, the 21st round of the 2024 Chinese Super League will see Shandong Taishan host Shanghai Port at home. Shanghai Port is in scorching form, having just secured a record-breaking 14 consecutive league victories, setting a new milestone in the history of the Chinese Super League. Conversely, Shandong Taishan has struggled to find its footing recently.
Prior to this round, Shanghai Port had 18 wins and 3 draws, remaining undefeated with 57 points, topping the league table and leading second-placed Shanghai Shenhua (55 points) by 2 points. Shanghai Port has been in exceptional form recently, winning every match since May 1, securing 14 straight victories in the league. If we include their performances in the FA Cup during this period, Shanghai Port has won 16 matches in a row across all competitions. Particularly noteworthy was their last match, where they thrashed Nantong Zhiyun 8-1.
Shanghai Port boasts several impressive statistics that outshine other teams in the Chinese Super League. To date, their win rate stands at an impressive 85.7%, the highest in the league. They also average 3.43 goals per game, the highest goal-scoring rate in the league. Although they are playing away from home in this match, Shanghai Port’s away record is 8 wins and 2 draws, with an away win rate of 80%.
Several key attackers in Shanghai Port’s squad are currently in top form. Wu Lei, who leads the scoring charts, has contributed both goals and assists in three consecutive games. Gustavo has scored in three straight matches, netting seven goals during this period. Oscar has directly contributed to goals in four consecutive matches, registering three goals and three assists during this time. Baljas has also been involved in goals in three consecutive matches, contributing two goals and three assists.
In terms of historical head-to-head records, the two sides have faced each other 20 times, with each team winning seven times, drawing six times, and losing seven times, making it an even split. However, in the last four encounters, Shanghai Port has remained unbeaten with two wins and two draws. In the sixth round of the Chinese Super League this season, Shanghai Port staged a comeback to defeat Shandong Taishan 4-3, with Wu Lei scoring twice.
Currently, Shandong Taishan has 9 wins, 7 draws, and 5 losses, totaling 34 points and ranking fifth in the league table. After Choi Kang-hee left due to health reasons, assistant coach Kim Hyun-min took over in a pinch. According to Kim Hyunmin, “We will formulate the lineup and tactics based on the players’ training status and through phone consultations with Coach Choi, but I will be responsible for the in-game management.”
Kim Hyunmin also revealed, “The schedule for August is quite dense, and the team has a heavy workload, so Coach Choi has decided to return on August 6.” National team goalkeeper Wang Dalei commented, “Port is very strong this year, but we have prepared strategies for both attack and defense against them and are eager to beat them at home.”
Shandong Taishan’s recent form has not been particularly outstanding, with only 3 wins, 4 draws, and 3 losses in the last 10 league matches. Especially in their last match, Shandong Taishan lost 0-1 to Henan. However, Shandong Taishan’s home record is commendable, with 5 wins, 3 draws, and 1 loss in 9 home games, giving them a home win rate of 56% and only one home defeat.
However, there is a significant difference in the number of goals Shandong Taishan scores in the first and second halves. They have scored a total of 21 goals in the first half but only 11 in the second half, a difference of 10 goals. Crespo is the most consistent scorer for Shandong Taishan, and whether he can lead the team’s attack will directly influence the outcome of the match.
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