Shanghai SIPG vs Yanbian Fude Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

High profile manager Andre Villas-Boas, who took the reins from the sacked Sven Goran Erikkson at the end of last season, couldn’t have hoped for a much better start to his life in the Chinese Super League. Last weekend he presided over a 5-1 thrashing of Changchun Yatai on the opening day of the Super League season, with new signing Oscar getting an assist, fellow Brazilian Hulk finding the net, and Elkeson notching a hat-trick for the hosts.

Villas Boas knows that he needs to reproduce this on a regular basis though. His predecessor was sacked after finishing 3rd in the table, making it clear to the former Spurs manager that they fully expect silverware to be flooding in to Shanghai.

Shanghai SIPG have made that clear with their moves in the transfer market as well. They have shelled out well over £100 million over the past year or so, with the two big additions being Hulk and Oscar for a combined total of £98 million.

Yanbian Fude, on the other hand, haven’t paid over £1 million for a player during the off-season and are expecting another very difficult year in the Chinese Super League after finishing 9th last season. They have far less talent and funds at their disposal than some of the big clubs, which paves the way for a very divided league ruled by money.

The visitors did manage to pick up a point in their season opener last weekend, as they drew 0-0 with Chongqing Dang, but a trip to Shanghai is expected to be a much more difficult prospect. This is especially true as they won just one away match in the league last season, losing ten of them and failing to score in ten out of 15 games.

Shanghai SIPG, on the other hand, have won six of their last eight home games in the league and scored a phenomenal 28 goals during this period. They aren’t one for clean sheets, but they definitely have what it takes to outscore any opposition in this league.

The hosts will have the upper hand in terms of match fitness too, after playing three Asian Champions League matches prior to the Chinese Super League season kicking off. They won all three games, scoring nine goals and conceding once.

Shanghai SIPG have scored at least three goals in eight of their last 11 home games in all competitions, including in all of their home matches this season. They’re facing a low budget side who struggled on the road last season, so backing Shanghai SIPG Over 2.5 Team Goals at 5/6 alongside a 4-0 correct score predictions at 9/1 looks a good choice to me.