Shanghai Shenhua vs Zhejiang Predictions
Recent results point towards a likely high-scoring CSL contest this weekend.
BTTS and over 2.5 goals is my first pick, while we could see at least four goals scored.
Goals Expected in Shanghai
- Shanghai Shenhua have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in their last 4 home matches
- Shanghai Shenhua have seen an average of 3.87 goals per game scored in their last 8 home matches (CSL)
- Shanghai Shenhua have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 home matches against Zhejiang
- Zhejiang have seen BTTS & over 2.5 goals in 3 of their last 4 away matches
- Zhejiang have seen an average of 3.37 goals per game scored in their last 8 away matches (CSL)
Shenhua Edge Zhejiang in H2H Record
Shanghai Shenhua and Zhejiang have met regularly in Chinese Super League action over the past two decades.
Shenhua have enjoyed the better of the fixture, winning 11 of 33 previous meetings. Zhejiang claimed seven victories, while 15 matches finished level.
Shenhua Blast Dalian
Shanghai Shenhua return to home action after an impressive 4-1 comeback win against Dalian Yingbo in the CSL last weekend.
After falling behind to Nicolae Stanciu’s early goal, Wu Xi levelled from the penalty spot. Luis Asue then put Shenhua ahead before Rafael Ratao struck twice to secure a fine road victory for Leonid Slutskiy’s side.
The Blue Devils were at their brilliant attacking best in Dalian. Shanghai finished the contest with 14 shots and an xG total of 2.97.
Slutskiy’s forward-thinking side are usually a reliable choice to score, particularly in home fixtures. Shenhua scored 16 in just eight CSL games at Shanghai Stadium.
An inability to keep the door closed defensively has led to several high-scoring outcomes this season. Shanghai scored 33 but conceded 25 in just 16 league fixtures.
An average of 3.87 goals per game were scored in their eight games at Shanghai Stadium.
Zhejiang Looking to Bounce Back
Zhejiang make the trip to Shanghai looking to bounce back from a 3-1 defeat against Qingdao West Coast last weekend. Aihui Zhang gave the visitors an early lead, but Qingdao hit back through Peng Xinli and a Nelson Luz brace to leave Ross Aloisi’s side empty-handed.
The hosts proved deserved winners in an entertaining contest at Guzhenkou University Sports Center. Qingdao had three more efforts on goal and finished with a significantly higher xG total (2.08-0.89).
Last weekend’s reversal leaves Zhejiang eighth in the CSL standings, one point ahead of Shenhua.
Defensive issues have been costly for Aloisi’s men, particularly on their travels. Zhejiang conceded an average of two goals per game in eight away fixtures this season. An average of 3.37 goals per game were scored in those fixtures.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Zhejiang Team News
Shanghai Shenhua: (4-2-3-1) Xue Qinghao; Yang Zexiang, Zhu Chenjie, Jin Shunkai, Chan Shinichi; Wang Haijian, Wu Xi; Gao Tianyi, Xu Haoyang, Yang Haoyu; Rafael Ratao
Shanghai Shenhua boss Leonid Slutskiy is likely to stick with the same side that breezed past Dalain Yingbo.
The hosts remain unable to call on four first-team players. Shenglong Jiang is sidelined with kidney problems, while Nico Yennaris and Makhtar Gueye are also unavailable with leg and Achilles injuries, respectively.
Shunkai Jin is the latest concern after suffering a rib fracture.
Brazilian forward Rafael Ratao will lead the home attack after his two-goal salvo last weekend.
Zhejiang: (4-2-3-1) Zhao Bo; Xu Junchi, Liu Haofan, Lucas Possignolo, Sun Guowen; Cheng Jin, Wu Wei; Wang Yudong, Marko Tolic, Alexandru Mitrita; Saul Guarirapa
Head coach Aloisi could make one or two changes to his selection on Sunday. Liu Haofan could come into the side after a second-half substitute appearance last weekend.