Nantong Zhiyun FC vs Shanghai Port FC Prediction: The Defending Champions Are The Better Side On Paper And Favorites To Claim Maximum Points

Nantong Zhiyun FC will welcome Shanghai Port FC to the Rugao Olympic Sports Center in the fifth round of the Chinese Super League. 

The defending champions, Shanghai Port FC, will be aiming to maintain their somewhat impressive start to the season by picking up a comfortable win away from home against a side they've currently maintained a two-match winning streak against.

Let's have a look at the latest Chinese Super League predictions between Nantong Zhiyun FC vs. Shanghai Port FC, probable lineups, match facts, and betting odds for you to consider!

Note: Odds are subject to change at any time!

Nantong Zhiyun FC

Nantong Zhiyun FC finally managed to record their first win of the season, defeating Meizhou Hakka FC 1-0 at home thanks to Kang Cao's goal in the 71st minute.

Prior to this victory, Mihajlo Jurasović's team was on a three-match winless run, recording two losses and a solitary draw, which currently sees them in poor form. However, with renewed confidence, they'll be seeking their second consecutive league victory, though it won't be an easy feat to achieve. 

With four points accumulated from four matches, Nantong Zhiyun FC sits in tenth place in the Chinese Super League standings, three points ahead of the relegation zone, and three points adrift of fifth-placed Tianjin Teda. 

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-3-3

Q. Xue; Y. Shinar, S. Ma, I. Anthony, X. Luo; M.Y. Yang, K. Cao, D. Puclin; H. Zheng, M. N. Mata, I. Kallon

Shanghai Port FC

Shanghai Port FC hit a brick wall last time out in their match against Beijing Guoan FC as they salvaged a point in a nail-biting 2-2 draw, with Wu Lei coming to the rescue at the death door to equalize for his team.

The Red Eagles have kicked off the season with a somewhat stellar performance, but it's not exactly how they pictured their title defense unfolding. They have avoided defeat in their last four matches, recording two draws and two victories, and enter this match boasting a two-match unbeaten run away from home (D2).

With 8 points accumulated from four matches, Shanghai Port FC sits in third place in the Chinese Super League standings, level on points with fourth-placed Beijing Guoan FC, and four points adrift of first-placed Shanghai Shenhua.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

J. Yan; Z. Wang, L.P. Zhang, T. Browning, S. Wang; M. Vargas, L. Cittadini, H. Cai, J. Feng; Oscar, W. Lei

Match Facts

• Nantong Zhiyun FC have won one of their last five matches in the Super League.
• Shanghai Port FC are currently on a four-match unbeaten run when playing away in the Super League.
• Nantong Zhiyun FC averages 0.9 goals per game when playing at home, and Shanghai Port FC averages 1.5 goals per game when playing away.

Head-To-Head

In the last two meetings, Nantong Zhiyun FC have won 0 times, Shanghai Port FC have won 2 times, and there have been 0 draws, with the goal difference being 3-1 in favor of Shanghai Port FC. 

Expert Betting Tips

Nantong Zhiyun FC have won just one of their last 11 home games in the Super League (D7 L3) and are likely to struggle for a favorable outcome against the visitors, who have yet to suffer defeat this season.

Shanghai Port FC have been in good form and are favorites with bookmakers to secure a comfortable win away from home. The visitors have been involved in high-scoring matches this season, with the total going over 2.5 goals in three of their last four matches. Nevertheless, we anticipate them to surpass the individual total of 1.5 goals in this match.

• Team Total Goals (Over 1.5) - Shanghai Port FC for 1.61
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.98
• Total - Over 2.5 for 1.84