Shandong Taishan vs Shenzhen FC Prediction: The Youth Army Trying To Avoid The Unavoidable; Defeat!

Shenzhen FC will try to avoid the unavoidable as they travel to Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium to play Shandong Taishan on the 29th matchday of the Super League.

Will Shenzhen FC be able to upset a formidable Shandong Taishan, or will they be dealt a heartbreaking setback on the road?

Let's have a look at the latest Chinese Super League predictions between Shandong Taishan vs Shenzhen FC, probable lineups, match facts and up to date betting odds for you to consider!

Shandong Taishan

Form: LWLWW

The defending champions were unlucky in their recent clash against Cangzhou Mighty Lions at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium, as they failed to grasp on to a victory as they suffered a disappointing 3:2 loss at home, and it's without a doubt they lacked creativity when in front of goal, despite having 28 shots at goal.

Prior to that, they had a convincing 5-0 victory over struggling side Wuhan Zall, where they had no trouble finding the back of the net as they displayed their dominance in attack, while also going the extra mile to keep a clean sheet throughout the game.

While they've had a stuttering performance, they have now seen two losses in their last five matches while recording three wins to maintain a consistent form and will be relieved to know that they still maintain a consistent form with 9 points accrued.

Currently in second place with 65 points, they are on the verge of finishing first as they are even in points with Wuhan Three Towns and have only been separated by a goal differential in this case as they have 44 to Wuhan Three Towns' 54.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 4-4-2

L. Guanxi (1); Z. Zheng (5), K. Shi (27), Jadson (4), L. Hailong (16); P. Chen (29), M. Fellaini (25), J. Xiang (37), A. Abudulam (30); Crysan (9), Moises (10).

Shenzhen FC

Form: LLWLL

Coming off a 2:1 loss to Wuhan Zall, there's no doubt that they were absolutely overwhelmed, boasting only 30% ball control with five of their shots at goal not compensating enough to find the back of the net, as their goal that acted as compensation only came from their opposition in the third minute as an own goal.

With a change in management to steer their performance in the right direction, they have chosen to deviate from that path, as they are on a two-match losing streak and their last five matches have yielded 3 points from one victory, which came against Guangzhou City at home (2:1), and that alone is a recipe for inconsistency.

Currently in 14th place with 30 points, they are just one spot ahead of the relegation zone, and it appears they have been heavily favored this time around as they are 15 points away from the danger zone.

Probable Starting XI

Formation: 3-4-3

D. Chunyu (24); Y. Shinar (2), Y. Boyu (27), I. Chai-Min (5); L. Yue (20), S. Ke (38), L. Yuanyi (28.), M. Haolun (25); R. Alessandrini (10), Z. Yuan (14), Z. Dalun (16).

Match Facts

• Shandong Taishan have won six consecutive home games in the Super League.
• Shenzhen FC has surrendered a goal in each of their previous six Super League encounters.
• Shandong Taishan has not lost a home match against Shenzhen in their last six matches.
• The average number of goals scored in matches between Shandong and Shenzhen is 3.8.
• When playing at home, Shandong averages 2.14 goals per game, whereas when playing away, Shenzhen averages 1.17 goals per game.

Head-To-Head

Shandong Taishan has won 10 of the last 14 meetings; Shenzhen has won none, and there have been four draws with a goal difference of 33-11 in favor of Shandong Taishan.

Expert Betting Tips

Shandong Taishan are still in contention for first place, as only three points are required to reclaim the top spot, and it would be highly unusual for them not to go above and beyond to achieve that kind of goal against a team that has had its own fair share of difficulties, making victory the only outcome reasonable for them in this case.

Shenzhen FC, on the other hand, have not been particularly convincing in the final third, which may well be a contributing factor in them grabbing a victory, let alone settling for a share of the spoils against an invincible force, and the bar may be set pretty low for them to be competitive this time around.

Taking into account all of the scenarios in this match, there are simply not too many contributing factors for the hosts not to seize the bull by the horns and walk away with a commanding victory as their home portfolio speaks for itself as they've only lost one home game in the last seven home games, and as such we do expect them to get the better of the visitors via an Asian Handicap of -2.5.

• Handicap 1 -2.5 for 2.21
• Goals - Over 3.5 for 2.04
• Both Teams To Score (No) for 1.61