Guangzhou R&F vs Shanghai SIPG Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Guangzhou R&F are having an excellent season so far. The hosts ended last year’s campaign just two points clear of the relegation zone all the way down in 14th position, but their form so far this year has led them to a very respectable 6th position in the Chinese Super League.

They have had a few tough periods during the season, but recently they have really come into their own, and their form record illustrates that. They have won seven of their last nine matches in all competitions, only losing a friendly to Schalke and a visit to Yanbian Funde last weekend.

A win on Sunday could send Guangzhou R&F up into 5th position and to within a win of the top three, whereas a defeat would give Henan Construction and Yanbian Funde the chance to leapfrog them.

Shanghai SIPG will be a real test for them as well. The visitors finished as runners up in last season’s Chinese Super League, and they have spent big this season to ensure that they don’t fall behind too much. They currently occupy 3rd position in the league, five points adrift of Jiangsu Suning in 2nd and 12 points behind champions and leaders Guangzhou Evergrande.

They well and truly stated their intentions at in the summer though, shelling out a huge £47 million on Zenit’s Brazilian forward Hulk and paying him £320,000 per week to play for them. The striker scored on his debut, but ten minutes later he was carried off on a stretcher and hasn’t featured since. However, he is thought to be fit for this game, which could spell trouble for the hosts.

Shanghai SIPG haven’t been in the greatest form since their blistering start to the season though. They have lost three of their last six outings in all competitions and only won three of their last 11, which has allowed Guangzhou Evergrande and Jiangsu Suning the opportunity to open up a gap.

Away from home things are even worse for them. They have only won one of their last eight on the road and lost five of them, whilst Guangzhou R&F have won five competitive games in a row on home turf.

One of these victories actually came against Shanghai SIPG in the Chinese FA Cup, which will provide a potentially crucial psychological advantage for the hosts. My prediction is for them to get another win on Sunday, and odds of 31/20 for this outcome look incredibly good value considering their recent form, which includes a home win over league leaders Guangzhou Evergrande. I’m also backing a 2-1 correct score prediction at 9/1.