Zhejiang Professional FC
- Zhejiang Professional FC are eighth with 10 points.
- Ross Aloisi has built a tactically flexible team that can deploy 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1.
- They have conceded just four goals in six home Super League games this term.
- They are quick to transition when they win possession and can exploit space behind full backs.
- They are on a streak of two consecutive draws, most recently a 2-2 tie away at Shanghai Port.
- Home form this season: two wins, three draws and one defeat in six Super League matches.
Shandong Luneng Taishan FC
- Shandong Luneng Taishan FC are fifth with 14 points.
- They have won three straight matches recently, including a 4-1 win over Shanghai Shenhua and a 3-1 victory over Chongqing Tongliang Long.
- They have split their last two away games with one win and one defeat and have scored six goals in five league road games.
- On their last three trips to Zhejiang they went three games without a win.
- Their style is centrally compact, patient and strong in set-pieces and aerial duels.
Head-to-Head
- The last three competitive head-to-head clashes produced one win for Shandong and two draws.
- One of those draws was a 2-2 at Zhejiang seven months ago.
Key Players
- Cryzan (Shandong):
- Nine goals in nine league games.
- Scored six of Shandong's last eight goals.
- Marko Tolic (Zhejiang):
- Two of Zhejiang's last five goals.
- Yudong Wang (Zhejiang):
- Four goals in 11 league appearances.
- Alexandru Mitrita (Zhejiang):
- Five assists in six league matches this campaign.
- Keep an eye on Cryzan and Alexandru Mitrita for decisive contributions.
Betting Insights
- Bookmakers make Shandong the favorite at 2.15, Zhejiang at 3.08, and the draw at 3.87.
- Markets strongly favour goals: over 2.5 goals at 1.56 and both teams to score at 1.46.
- The preview suggests staying with the underdog.
Prediction
- Shandong's recent attacking form and slightly better odds give the away team a slight edge.
- Zhejiang's home resilience and compact defensive shape suggest a competitive 90 minutes.
- The tactical contrast - Zhejiang's transitions versus Shandong's structure - should make midfield and transition battles key.
