Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Jinmen Tiger Predictions
Shanghai Shenhua welcome Tianjin Jinmen Tiger to Shanghai Stadium in the CSL in a winnable contest on Saturday.
The hosts have endured an inconsistent campaign, but a strong recent record in this fixture and superior attacking quality should see them over the line.
I have my money on Shanghai Shenhua to win with at least three match goals, while I also expect both teams to score.
Shenhua Backed in Shanghai
- Shanghai Shenhua won their last 3 matches
- Shanghai Shenhua have seen over 2.5 goals in 9 of their last 11 matches
- Shanghai Shenhua have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 8 of their last 10 matches
- Shanghai Shenhua won their last 4 matches against Tianjin
- Tianjin Jinmen Tiger have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 4 matches against Shanghai Shenhua
- Tianjin Jinmen Tiger lost 3 of their last 6 matches (CSL)
Shanghai Dominate Recent Meetings
Shanghai Shenhua are unbeaten in their last six matches against Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, winning four and drawing two.
The home side edged their way to a 3-2 road win when these sides last met earlier this season. All but two of their last meetings finished with over 2.5 goals scored.
Shenhua Extend Winning Run
Shanghai Shenhua face back-to-back home CSL fixtures after edging a five-goal thriller in their last runout nearly two weeks ago.
Leonid Slutsky’s side claimed a 3-2 victory against Zhejiang in a hard-fought contest at Shanghai Stadium. Veteran forward Wu Xi bagged a brace before Rafael Ratao's late penalty sealed the points for the Blue Devils.
Despite enjoying less possession (46-54%), fewer shots (14-15) and a lower xG (1.45-1.57), Shenhua emerged with a third successive CSL victory.
High-scoring outcomes have been a recurring theme for the home side this season. Eleven of their last 15 fixtures finished with at least three goals scored. An average of 3.73 goals per game were scored in those matches.
Currently 11th in the 16-team league, Shanghai Shenhua's position has been distorted by a 10-point deduction imposed before the season. Without that penalty, the Blue Devils would sit second in the CSL.
Tianjin Show Signs of Improvement
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger make the trip to Shanghai after a return to winning form before last weekend’s postponed fixture against Liaoning Tieren.
Yu Genwei’s side secured an impressive 3-0 victory against Shenzhen Peng City two weeks ago. Guilherme Schettine, Bruno Xadas and Ji Shengpan were on the scoresheet as the Tigers secured the points at TEDA Football Stadium.
Before that victory, Tianjin had failed to win eight of nine previous domestic fixtures.
Despite their poor form, the visitors are usually a reliable choice to at least get on the scoresheet. Nine of their last 12 matches also finished with BTTS.
Like Shenhua, Tianjin began the season with a ten-point deduction. The visitors sit 15th in the division, with only seven points on the board.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Jinmen Tiger Team News
Shanghai Shenhua: (4-2-3-1) Bao Yaxiong; Yang Zexiang, Jiang Shenglong, Zhu Chenjie, Chen Jinyi; Amadou, Wu Xi; Xu Haoyang, Teixeira, Gao Tianyi; Rafael Ratao
Shanghai boss Leonid Slutsky is expected to keep faith with the same side that edged past Zhejiang earlier this month.
Rafael Ratao has enjoyed an excellent campaign, scoring 13 league goals, and should continue to lead the line.
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger: (4-2-3-1) Fang Jingqi; Ming Tian, Han Pengfei, Yang Fan, Wang Zhenghao; Cristian Salvador, Guo Hao; Xadas, Albion Ademi, Shi Yan; Guilherme Schettine
Tianjin boss Yu Genwei could keep faith with much of the side that eased to a 3-0 victory against Shenzhen Peng City.
Guilherme Schettine should lead the attack after scoring in that victory, while Bruno Xadas and Alberto Quiles are also expected to feature.
Genwei has no reported injury or suspension issues.