Shanghai Shenhua vs Guangzhou Evergrande Predictions & Betting Tips, Match Previews

Shanghai Shenhua made movements in the transfer market last season as they looked to try and improve on their 6th place finish from last year and so far it looks to be working.

They have managed to push themselves up to 4th in the Chinese Super League, with them level on points with Shanghai SIPG and Hebei CFC above and below them respectively. One of the main factors taking them to this position was last summer’s signing Demba Ba. The former Newcastle and Chelsea man has scored 14 goals in his 18 appearances this season but he suffered an horrific leg break against Shanghai SIPG last month and has been handed a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Shanghai Shenhua have fared remarkably well without their main man up front, winning three of their four matches since his injury, but his absence is sure to be felt at some point and almost a goal per game is hard to replace.

Guangzhou Evergrande edged the Chinese Super League title last season as they beat Shanghai SIPG to the post by two points but this season it’s looking like a much more comfortable road to the finish line. They come into this match with a significant 11 point lead over Jiangsu SFC in 2nd and with just nine games remaining in the season.

The visitors success has largely been build on attacking midfielder Ricardo Goulart and left winger Alan, who have netted 22 league goals between them this season. Whilst Chinese native Gao Lin has provided a further five goals and ten assists to make him a key figure within the team.

Their form at the moment isn’t looking bad at all either. They have won five of their last seven, although their 2-1 defeat to Guangzhou G&F ended a ridiculous 21 match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

To be fair to them, Guangzhou Evergrande bounced back well with a 2-1 win against Beijing Guoan and still look huge favourites for to retain the title. Last time out they drew 0-0 with Beijing Guoan, keeping their first clean sheet in seven games in the process.

Away from home Guangzhou Evergrande have won five of their last six games but they haven’t kept a clean sheet in their last four outings. But Shanghai Shenhua have won six in a row at home and scored 17 goals in the process. The hosts haven’t failed to score on home turf in any of their last ten outings and it’s made for some high scoring affairs.

Shanghai Shenhua have seen at least three goals in eight of their last nine home matches, whilst Guangzhou Evergrande have in six of their last eight on the road. My prediction is for another entertaining match from two sides who are very good going forward, so I’m backing Over 2.5 Goals and Both Teams to Score at 11/10 alongside a 2-2 correct score prediction at 12/1.