Chinese Super League Preview: Shanghai Derby May Decide Championship, Who Will Take Points?

At 7:35 PM on August 17th, the highly anticipated Shanghai Derby will take place in the 23rd round of the 2024 Chinese Super League, and it is also a battle for the top spot. Shanghai Shenhua, currently second in the standings, will host league leader Shanghai SIPG. Considering the 5-point gap between the two Shanghai teams and the approaching end of the season, the outcome of this Shanghai Derby may directly determine the winner of the Chinese Super League this season.

Shanghai SIPG currently sits atop the table with 63 points from 20 wins and 3 draws, being the only team in the league that remains undefeated. With an 87% win rate, they also hold the highest winning percentage in the league. Shanghai SIPG is in excellent form, having achieved 18 consecutive wins across both the Chinese Super League and the FA Cup since May. This includes 16 consecutive wins in the Chinese Super League, continuously setting new records for the longest win streak in the history of the Chinese Super League.

Shanghai SIPG possesses a formidable attacking force, averaging 3.48 goals per game, the only team in the league to average at least 3 goals per game. During their 16-game winning streak, Shanghai SIPG scored at least 5 goals in 8 matches. This match is a Shanghai Derby, and theoretically, Shanghai SIPG is the away team. However, Shanghai SIPG remains the only team to stay undefeated on the road this season.

Recently, several core players in the Shanghai SIPG squad have been in top form. Wu Lei, currently leading the league’s scoring charts with 28 goals, has scored in four consecutive matches and even achieved a hat-trick in the last round. Oscar has provided assists in five consecutive rounds, including a hat-trick of assists in the last round. Additionally, players like Gustavo and Balagas have also showcased their outstanding form.

Shanghai Shenhua currently occupies second place with 58 points from 18 wins, 4 draws, and 1 loss, trailing league leader Shanghai SIPG by 5 points. In June, Shanghai Shenhua achieved an 8-game winning streak across both competitions. However, on August 4th, they lost 1-2 to Beijing Guoan in the 21st round of the league, suffering their first defeat in the Chinese Super League this season. At the same time, Shanghai SIPG widened the point gap to 5 points. Fortunately, Shanghai Shenhua promptly regained form and triumphed 5-1 over Nantong Zhiyun in the last round.

Shanghai Shenhua boasts the league’s best defense, conceding an average of 0.48 goals per game, the lowest average in the league. Shanghai Shenhua will be playing at home, having a record of 9 wins and 2 draws in their home matches, remaining undefeated. Meanwhile, Shanghai Shenhua faces some personnel issues, including the absence of starting full-back Yang Zexiang due to four accumulated yellow cards for the Shanghai Derby. Malaley was injured in the last round, and according to Shanghai media reports, he did not participate in pre-match training and did not join the team to the hotel, suggesting a high probability of him missing the match. Regarding this Derby, Shanghai Shenhua head coach Slutsky stated: “The importance of the match is undeniable. The outcome will directly affect the championship of the Chinese Super League this season, so we must show our best form.”

In terms of historical head-to-head records, Shanghai SIPG has dominated with 10 wins, 7 draws, and 3 losses in the last 20 encounters against Shanghai Shenhua. However, in 2024, Shanghai Shenhua first defeated Shanghai SIPG in the Super Cup, followed by a 1-1 draw in the 8th round of the league.

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