Henan FC

vs

Shanghai Shenhua

Preview

Henan FC

• Henan FC are without a win in their last five matches (D2, L3).
• Henan have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three home league games, scoring just three goals in that run.
• Meanwhile, Daniel Ramos has tried to get Henan FC to sit compact and absorb pressure before transitioning quickly in vertical lines of play.

Shanghai Shenhua

• Shanghai Shenhua have won their last four consecutive matches, remaining unbeaten in their past five (W4, D1).
• Shanghai Shenhua arrive on the back of an impressive four-match winning streak as they travel to Henan to take on a side who knocked them out of the FA Cup last season.
• The away side sit in 5th place in the Chinese Super League 2026 table with seven points from seven games, while Henan are just outside the relegation zone in 13th after picking up two points.
• Shenhua’s last two league wins have come by way of a 2-0 victory away to Qingdao Hainiu and a 3-1 success against Liaoning Tieren.
• Both of those results came after manager Leonid Slutsky switched from a rather stodgy 4-4-2 system to an urgent, fast-paced 4-3-3 formation that is designed to overwhelm the opposition with width and intensity in the pressing game.

Head-to-Head

Key Players

• The visitors are also boosted by Rafael Ratao’s rich form this season, with the Brazilian forward scoring seven goals in his seven league appearances and four of his side’s last nine.
• Meanwhile, Ramos’ side lack the firepower of Slutsky’s team, with Gustavo being the most likely forward option to make an impact as he has one goal in six league appearances.

Betting Insights

• Shenhua’s points deduction this season has given them a greater sense of urgency than their opponents, and every match is a must-win fixture for them.
• With all of that in mind, we’re backing the away win along with over 2.5 goals and both teams to score.

Prediction