Preview: Changchun Yatai vs. Shandong Taishan - prediction, team news, lineups

Chen Yang's side will head into the game desperate to get one over the hosts, having failed to win any of the last 12 meetings between the teams since 2014.

Match preview

Changchun Yatai put on a resilient performance on Sunday as they came back from behind twice to salvage an impressive 2-2 draw away to Dalian Pro.

Jores Okore netted in the 66th minute to cancel out Yin Shang's first-half opener, and after Wei Wu restored the hosts' lead in the 70th minute, Junior Negrao struck with four minutes remaining on the clock to force a share of the spoils.

While Yang's men are now unbeaten in four straight games, they have managed just one win in their last seven outings since a 4-1 victory over Guangzhou City in the season opener on June 4.

Changchun Yatai have picked up two wins and five draws from their eight games so far to collect 11 points and sit ninth in the Super League standings, level on points with 10th-placed Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

While they will look to strengthen their position in the top half of the table, next up is the challenge of an opposing side who they have failed to defeat in 12 consecutive attempts since a 1-0 victory back in 2014.

On the other hand, Shandong Taishan made it two wins from two last time out as they comfortably brushed aside Guangzhou City 2-0 on home turf.

In a one-sided affair at the Mission Hills Football Base Stadium, Cryzan and Zheng Zheng scored first-half goals to hand the hosts their sixth win of the season.

With 18 points from a possible 24, Hao Wei's men are currently second in the league standings, four points adrift of first-placed Wuhan Three Towns.

Their solid start to the season has been owing to the impressive displays at the defensive end of the pitch, where they boast the division's best record with six goals conceded while keeping six clean sheets so far.

Changchun Yatai Chinese Super League form:

Shandong Taishan Chinese Super League form:

Team News

Erik came off the substitutes' bench to good effect in the draw against Dalian Pro and the Brazilian forward could be rewarded with a place in the starting XI.

The 27-year-old should handle business at the attacking end of the pitch, teaming up with Negrao, who took his goal tally to two with his strike at the weekend.

At the opposite end of the pitch, we expect Cui Qi, Okore and Jie Sun to form the back three, shielding 31-year-old Yake Wu between the sticks.

Meanwhile, Cryzan maintained his red-hot form in front of goal, scoring the opener against Guangzhou City, and the Brazilian forward will certainly be one to keep an eye out for.

The former Santa Clara man should be joined in the final third by 34-year-old Moises, who boasts three goals and two assists in eight appearances this season.

Marouane Fellaini was handed a second consecutive league start last time out and the former Manchester United midfielder should handle business at the centre of the park once again.

Changchun Yatai possible starting lineup:

Wu; Sun, Okore, Qui; Liao, Tudi, Zhang, Rao, Tan; Negao, Erik

Shandong Taishan possible starting lineup:

Dalei; Lui, Shi, Zheng, Ji; Jun-ho, Jingdao, Fellaini, Liao; Moises, Cryzan

We say: Changchun Yatai 0-2 Shandong Taishan

Shandong Taishan have hit the ground running in the new campaign and will be looking to establish themselves in the upper echelons of the table. Looking at past results between the sides, we are backing them to extend their dominance over the hosts, who have managed just one win in their last seven outings.

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