Shanghai Shenhua vs Kawasaki Frontale prediction: Will Saulo Mineiro's hot streak continue in Champions League showdown? | OneFootball

Shanghai Shenhua vs Kawasaki Frontale: AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 Preview

Shanghai Shenhua will host Kawasaki Frontale in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite Round of 16 tie at Shanghai Stadium on Wednesday, with both sides looking to gain an advantage ahead of the return fixture.

Recent Form

Shanghai Shenhua enter this continental clash after a 2-2 draw against Beijing Guoan in the Chinese Super League, extending their mixed run of form to just one win in their last five matches (D1, W1, L3). Their last Champions League outing saw them secure an impressive 4-2 victory against Vissel Kobe.

Kawasaki Frontale, meanwhile, suffered a 1-0 defeat to Kyoto Sanga in their most recent J1 League fixture, though their broader form has been more consistent with three wins from their last five games (L1, W3, D1). The Japanese side advanced to this stage after a comfortable 2-0 win over Australia's Central Coast Mariners.

Squad Analysis

Shanghai Shenhua

Leonid Slutskiy's side has undergone significant squad changes in the January window, with Brazilian forward Saulo Mineiro from Ceara being their most notable acquisition. The striker has made an immediate impact, scoring in their recent league draw and will be crucial to their attacking threat.

Shanghai's midfield has been bolstered by the arrival of Dai Wai-tsun from Sichuan Jiuniu, while experienced midfielder Li Ke joined from Beijing Guoan. These additions have strengthened their central options, though the departure of Zhang Wei to Tianjin Teda represents a loss in depth.

In their last match, Shanghai deployed a balanced 4-3-3 formation with Bao Yaxiong in goal, protected by a back four of Wilson Manafá, Aidi Fulangxisi, Jiang Shenglong, and Chan Shinichi. Ibrahim Amadou anchored the midfield alongside Wu Xi and João Carlos Teixeira, while André Luis and Saulo Mineiro led the attack.

Kawasaki Frontale

Shigetoshi Hasebe's Kawasaki Frontale have also been active in the transfer market, securing Colombian defender César Haydar from RB Bragantino and midfielder Tatsuya Ito from 1. FC Magdeburg. However, they've lost attacking depth with Zé Ricardo loaned to Shonan Bellmare and D. Tono transferring to rivals Yokohama F. Marinos.

Kawasaki typically employ a possession-based approach, building attacks through patient build-up play. In their recent defeat to Kyoto Sanga, they lined up with veteran keeper Jung Sung-Ryong behind a defence featuring new signing César Haydar alongside Asahi Sasaki, Shintaro Kurumaya, and Shuto Tanabe. Their midfield trio of So Kawahara, Kento Tachibanada, and Patrick Verhon controlled possession, while Hinata Yamauchi, Tatsuya Ito, and Brazilian striker Erison formed the attacking trident.

Key Tactical Battle

This match presents a fascinating tactical contrast. Shanghai Shenhua will likely adopt a counter-attacking approach, using the pace and finishing ability of Saulo Mineiro and André Luis to exploit spaces behind Kawasaki's defence. The Chinese side scored twice in their last league match, demonstrating their attacking potential.

Conversely, Kawasaki Frontale will aim to dominate possession and territory, using their technical midfielders to control the tempo. Their recent goalscoring struggles in the J1 League could be a concern, but their 2-0 Champions League victory over Central Coast Mariners suggests they can find the net in continental competition.

Historical Context

The two sides have met just once previously, with Shanghai Shenhua securing a 2-0 victory. This historical edge may provide psychological advantage to the Chinese outfit, though past results often count for little in knockout football.

Prediction and Betting Odds

Given Shanghai's home advantage and Kawasaki's recent domestic defeat, the hosts will fancy their chances of securing a first-leg lead. However, Kawasaki's continental experience and possession-based style could help them control proceedings and potentially secure a valuable away goal.

The absence of recent goalscorers for Kawasaki is concerning, while Shanghai's attacking duo of Saulo Mineiro and André Luis have shown they can find the net. Shanghai's defensive record has been inconsistent, conceding in four of their last five matches, which suggests both teams could score.

Predicted Score: Shanghai Shenhua 2-1 Kawasaki Frontale