On August 22, the reigning champions Shanghai Shenhua will host Beijing Guoan in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup. Shenhua are eager to avenge their loss to Guoan, who ended their unbeaten streak this season. For Guoan manager Suares, a loss in the FA Cup could result in his dismissal.
Shanghai Shenhua currently sit second in the Chinese Super League, having just come from behind to beat Shanghai SIPG 3-1, closing the gap with the leaders to two points. Beijing Guoan are currently fourth in the standings, having drawn 0-0 with Zhejiang in their last league game.
For Shanghai Shenhua, manager Slutsky has confirmed that Marlele and Manafa will miss the match due to injury, while Amadu is also doubtful. For Beijing Guoan, the two foreign players Mamadu and Adebenro will be back in the squad. Zhang Yuning and Li Ke are unavailable for the league match due to red cards but are eligible to play in the FA Cup.
Shanghai Shenhua have narrowly escaped elimination in their two previous FA Cup rounds, overcoming Foshan Nanshi and Shenzhen Xinpengcheng in away matches. However, they have been in excellent form at home, winning their last five matches, scoring 20 goals in the process, averaging four goals per game.
Beijing Guoan have also progressed to the quarter-finals, beating Suzhou Dongwu and Wuxi Wuhook in away matches in the Yangtze River Delta region. Their recent league form has been poor, however, with just one win in their last four matches. Away from home, they have recorded only two wins in their last eight matches, with both victories coming in the FA Cup.
In their last ten encounters, Shanghai Shenhua have been dominated by Beijing Guoan, losing six of the matches and drawing two, winning only two. In their last five encounters, Guoan have won three and drawn two, remaining unbeaten. In the Chinese Super League this season, Guoan have one win and one draw, ending Shenhua’s unbeaten run in early August. The last time the two sides met in the FA Cup was in 2017, with Shanghai Shenhua securing a 1-0 victory at home.
Shenhua will be looking to get revenge for their earlier loss and will be confident playing at home. For Guoan, their chances of finishing in the top three in the league are slim, and their only chance to qualify for Asian competition next season is through the FA Cup. For manager Suares, a loss could spell the end of his time at the club, making this a crucial match for his future.
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