Thursday's Chinese Super League predictions including Beijing Guoan vs. Shanghai Port

Shandong vs. Changchun (Thursday, 12.35pm)

Shandong Taishan can climb above Changchun Yatai in the Chinese Super League table by beating them on Thursday.

Changchun travel to Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium in fifth place, two points ahead of their forthcoming opponents.

We say: Shandong Taishan 2-1 Changchun Yatai

The ineligibility of Souza against his parent club could be the decisive factor in this match, with the free-scoring visitors likely to be blunted by his absence.

Only three teams have conceded fewer goals than Shandong so far this season, and we can envisage them frustrating Changchun on the way to a crucial victory, which would see them leapfrog their opponents in the table.

Beijing Guoan vs. Shanghai Port (Thursday, 12.35pm)

Shanghai Port will be aiming to retain their grip on the Chinese Super League when they make the trip to Beijing Guoan on Thursday.

The visitors have only lost once so far this season, while the hosts will be attempting to continue progressing up the division, having the chance to potentially climb into the top four depending on other results.

We say: Beijing Guoan 1-2 Shanghai Port

Beijing Guoan's undefeated home streak will meet the undefeated away record of Shanghai Port in this match, which should lead to a close encounter between the two.

The hosts are strong in the attack while the visitors are equally impressive defensively which should lead to a very close match, but it is one the league leaders are likely to just edge.

Shenzhen vs. Chengdu Qianbao (Thursday, 12.35pm)

Chengdu Qianbao will look to keep their lengthy unbeaten Chinese Super League run going when they travel to face Shenzhen on Thursday.

The two sides enter the fixture after shock cup defeats to lower-league opposition at the weekend, though, both crashing out on penalties.

We say: Shenzhen 0-1 Chengdu Qianbao

Chengdu have been an unstoppable force on the league front, having not lost since October, and are predictably big favourites for this clash.

With their opponents on a 26-game unbeaten run, Shenzhen are unlikely to be the side to end that, despite their respectable recent home form.