Preview: Shanghai Shenhua vs. Wuhan - prediction, team news, lineups

The visitors had won their opening three games but they head into Monday's fixture on the back of their first defeat of the campaign.

Match preview

Shanghai Shenhua have made an ideal start to their campaign, with three victories and a draw, which has put them in joint first position heading into the next round of games.

All that is stopping them from being further up the table is goal difference, with Wu Jingui's team having scored far fewer goals than the two teams above them.

Despite that, the squad showcased their attacking capabilities during their most recent outing by defeating Hebei 3-1 with Cao Yunding, Zhu Chenjie and Peng Xinli all getting on the scoresheet.

Defensively Jingui's squad have thrived so far this season as they have only conceded two goals at this point, which is a run that has helped them start the season so well.

A victory on Monday has the possibility of taking Shanghai Shenhua into first place, depending on the results of the other teams around them.

However, Wuhan will be out to spoil that party and continue their own impressive start to the campaign after they have pushed into fifth place following the opening four games.

Li Jinyu's side kickstarted their campaign with a trio of victories, which also saw them keep two clean sheets following impressive performances from shot-stopper Zhifeng Wang.

However, they are heading into Monday on the back of a defeat which is something that they are now looking to bounce back from at the first time of asking.

Wuhan fell short in a 3-1 loss against Wuhan Tree Towns, with Felicio Brown Forbes' goal in the 88th minute proving to be nothing more than a consolation for them.

In their two away games to this point Jinyu's team have been impressive though, having won both of their matches without conceding a goal, which should provide some confidence for this one.

Shanghai Shenhua Chinese Super League form:

Shanghai Shenhua form (all competitions):

Wuhan Chinese Super League form:

Wuhan form (all competitions):

Team News

The strong 4-4-2 formation has been proving successful for Shanghai Shenhua so far, and because of that, it is unlikely that any changes will take place in that sense.

Yunding will likely retain his place in the starting lineup after finding the back of the net after being brought in during their previous outing.

Brown Forbes should find himself playing upfront for the visitors following his goal, and he should be partnered by Asmir Kajevic.

Liu Yun did make his return to the team in the recent 3-1 defeat, but he is someone that could also be in contention to start once again.

Shanghai Shenhua possible starting lineup:

Ma; Wang Yi, Bi, Zhu, Bai; Cao, Wu, Wang, Peng; J.R. Zhu, Bassogog

Wuhan possible starting lineup:

Wang; Ming, Li, Viana, Xu; Hu, J. Hu, Nie, Liu; Brown Forbes, Kajevic

We say: Shanghai Shenhua 1-0 Wuhan

Both of these teams have started their individual seasons in impressive fashion, and they will no doubt be keen to continue that as they aim to push towards the top of the table.

Shanghai Shenhua having the home advantage could end up being key, but with both teams being strong defensively it will likely be a low-scoring game.

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