Shanghai Port will be aiming to retain their grip on the Chinese Super League when they make the trip to Beijing Guoan on Thursday.
The visitors have only lost once so far this season, while the hosts will be attempting to continue progressing up the division, having the chance to potentially climb into the top four depending on other results.
Match preview
Beijing Guoan have been enjoying a strong run of form recently which is why they are undefeated in their previous three matches in all competitions.
Their latest match saw the team earn a place in the next round of the Chinese FA Cup with a victory against Zibo Qisheng after an eighth-minute goal from Yang Liyu proved to be enough.
When it comes to the Chinese Super League, Beijing Guoan currently sit in seventh place, and a victory could lead to them jumping into the top four if other results go their way.
Stanley Menzo has helped guide his team to strong performances in home fixtures, which is why they are currently undefeated at Workers Stadium this season.
A big reason for that is the attacking threat that they have provided in those matches as no team has scored more goals in home games so far in the division.
© Reuters
Thursday will create a battle of two undefeated streaks though because Shanghai Port have yet to lose a match in their away performances so far.
The current league leaders have only been beaten once all season in the Chinese Super League, but on the road they have been particularly impressive, having conceded just a single goal.
That creates a great test for both teams heading into this match with the attacking quality of the hosts pushing the defensive structure of Shanghai Port.
The visitors only have a four-point gap on their nearest rivals at the top of the division, which is something they will want to maintain or ideally extend in midweek.
Coming into the game off the back of a dominant 3-1 win in the Chinese FA Cup, the team should be brimming with confidence which should lead to another strong performance.
Team News
Zhang Xizhe has been an injury doubt as of late for the hosts, and that is something that is likely going to continue impacting them.
Despite that, Menzo might look to keep the same team that featured in their most recent league game due to their impressive performances as of late.
Former Chelsea playmaker Oscar will continue to be the key man for the visitors in this match, particularly after scoring a brace in Shanghai Port's most recent league encounter.
Li Ang has been out of action recently due to an injury, but after their impressive defensive performances as of late, it is something the team have adapted to.
Beijing Guoan possible starting lineup:
Han; Li, Bai, Ngadeu, Feng; Ademi, Souza, Gao, Kang; Wang, Yang
Shanghai Port possible starting lineup:
Yan; Wang, Browning, Zhang, Li; Muzepper, Cai; Oscar; Kallon, Paulinho, Lei
We say: Beijing Guoan 1-2 Shanghai Port
Beijing Guoan's undefeated home streak will meet the undefeated away record of Shanghai Port in this match, which should lead to a close encounter between the two.
The hosts are strong in the attack while the visitors are equally as impressive defensively which should lead to a very close match, but it is one the league leaders are likely to just edge.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
