Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Tiger: will Shanghai Shenhua keep up the title chase?
In the 15th round of the Chinese Super League, Shanghai Shenhua will face Tianjin Tiger on Wednesday, June 25. The opening whistle is set for 13:00 Central European Time. Here’s our in-depth preview and prediction for this clash.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Tiger: key facts and head-to-head
- Shanghai Shenhua have lost just one of their last six matches.
- Tianjin Tiger have suffered only one defeat in their previous four games.
- Shanghai Shenhua’s scoring streak has stretched to six consecutive matches.
- On home turf, the team is unbeaten in ten straight matches, winning the last six home encounters.
- Shanghai Shenhua boast the most prolific attack in the Super League with 31 goals, and the third-stingiest defense, conceding just 15 times.
- In 88% of their matches this season, Shenhua have scored over 1.5 goals per game.
- Only in 6% of games have they lost without finding the back of the net.
- 31% of Shenhua’s wins this season have been clean sheets, while Tianjin Tiger’s clean sheet win rate is 25%.
- The most recent head-to-head ended in a 2-1 victory for Shanghai Shenhua.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Tianjin Tiger: match preview
Last season, Shanghai Shenhua came within touching distance of the championship, missing out on the title by a single point. This season, they’re firmly in the title race once again. After 14 rounds, Shenhua have accumulated 32 points—the same as the table leaders. However, due to tiebreakers, they currently sit in second place. Shanghai Shenhua lead the league in goals scored (31) and have the third-best defense (15 goals conceded).
Tianjin Tiger sit lower in the standings, but remain among the Super League’s top five. After 14 rounds, the team has 22 points—eight fewer than third place. In the previous round, Tianjin fell 0-2, ending a run of three straight victories. They are now in fifth, having finished sixth last season—and may well repeat that result.
Probable lineups
- Shanghai Shenhua: Bao Yaxiong, Jiang Shenglong, Shinichi Chan, Aidi, Wilson Manafa, Xu Haoyang, Wu Xi, Teixeira, Li Ke, Yang Haoyu, Saulo Mineiro
- Tianjin Tiger: Xu Jiaming, Min Tian, Andújar, Yang Fan, Tian Yinong, Su Yuanzhe, Wang Qiuming, Fran Mérida, Ba Dun, Farley Rosa, Berić
Prediction
Shanghai Shenhua are fiercely contesting for top spot and have been dominant at home—six consecutive wins. There’s every reason to believe they’ll extend this streak. My pick: Shanghai Shenhua individual total over 2 goals at odds of 1.59. After all, this team boasts one of the Super League’s most potent attacks.
