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

The visitors, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their unbeaten record when they face Shandong on Thursday.

Match preview

Shandong sit a point clear of their opponents after winning two of their opening three matches.

Despite beating Zhejiang Professional on the opening day, Shandong's first away trip of the season resulted in a heavy 4-1 defeat against Henan Songshan Longmen.

However, they responded positively after a Marouane Fellaini winner guided his side to a 1-0 win over Guangzhou City to secure their first away victory of the season.

Shandong's second win of the campaign also coincided with their second clean sheet, and they will be looking to produce another fine defensive display on Thursday.

The hosts will also draw inspiration from the fact that their last three home meetings with Changchun have all yielded victories.

Changchun, meanwhile, sit a place behind their hosts despite enjoying a three-game unbeaten run to begin the season.

Their campaign started in some style, with a Tan Long hat-trick helping Changchun thrash Guangzhou City 4-1 on the opening day of the season.

Although no victories have followed, Chen Yang's side played out consecutive draws to ensure they are yet to end up on the losing side this season.

Their latest draw took place against Dalian Pro on Sunday, with Erik equalising in the second half to cancel out Shang Yin's opener.

With their only win of the season coming at home, Changchun will be looking to grab their first away victory when they face Shandong on Thursday.

Shandong Taishan Chinese Super League form:

Changchun Yatai Chinese Super League form:

Team News

Shandong Taishan could make a number of changes to the side that started against Guangzhou City, with Liao Lisheng and Liu Yang set to return to the starting lineup after coming off the bench at half time on Sunday.

After scoring the winner at the weekend as a second half substitute, Fellaini is likely to be included in the starting lineup for the first time this season.

Meanwhile, Dai Lin is expected to retain his place in the backline, continuing his centre-back partnership with Jadson.

As for the visitors, they are expected to continue with a back three made up of Cui Qi, Jores Okore and Rao Weihui.

After coming at half time against Dalian Pro, Liao Chengjian and Tudi Dilyimit are both set to return to the starting lineup.

Erik opened his account for the season with a second half equaliser on Sunday, and the Brazilian will have the chance to find the net in consecutive games when he starts on Thursday.

Shandong Taishan possible starting lineup:

D. Wang; T. Wang, Dai, Jadson, Song; Son, Liao; Jin, Moises, Liu; Fellaini

Changchun Yatai possible starting lineup:

Liu; Cui, Okore, Rao; Liao, Tudi, Li, Zheng; Tan, Erik, Negao

We say: Shandong Taishan 2-1 Changchun Yatai

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