Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia Predictions & Tips - J1L Side Tipped in AFC Two Encounter
Shanghai Shenhua face Machida Zelvia in AFC Champions League Two, Group G at Shanghai Stadium. Machida Zelvia are tipped to win, supported by their unbeaten run of six matches and six consecutive clean sheets. In contrast, Shanghai Shenhua have struggled in continental competitions, losing six of their last ten such fixtures. Both teams have minor selection issues but no significant injury concerns. Machida's strong defensive foundation and recent form give them the edge in this Thursday fixture.
- Shanghai Shenhua host Machida Zelvia in AFC Two contest
- Machida Zelvia tipped to claim victory in Thursday’s Group G clash
- Get our Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia predictions for the AFC Two
- Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia Predictions
- Machida Form Points Towards Away Win
- Shanghai and Machida Set For Second Encounter
- Shenhua Suffer CSL Setback
- Machida Extend Unbeaten Run
- Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia Team News
Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia Predictions
Shanghai Shenhua face Machida Zelvia at Shanghai Stadium on Thursday in an AFC Champions League Two, Group G contest.
The Japanese visitors make the trip to China in excellent form, and they should take advantage of an inconsistent home side.
I have my take on Machida Zelvia to win on Thursday.
Machida Form Points Towards Away Win
- Shanghai Shenhua lost 6 of their last 10 matches (continental competitions)
- Shanghai Shenhua lost 6 of their last 14 matches
- Machida Zelvia won 4 of their last 5 matches
- Machida Zelvia won 7 of their last 10 matches (continental competitions)
Shanghai and Machida Set For Second Encounter
Shanghai Shenhua and Machida Zelvia will meet for the second time this week. Machida claimed a 2-0 win in China in their only previous encounter earlier this year.
Shenhua Suffer CSL Setback
Shanghai Shenhua come into Thursday's AFC Two contest after a 2-1 Chinese Super League defeat at Shenzhen Peng City on Saturday.
Dai Wai Tsun put the hosts ahead shortly after half-time, before Yang Shuai equalised in the 64th minute. Wesley Moraes secured victory with a stoppage-time penalty as Shanghai slumped to their 10th CSL defeat of the season.
Leonid Slutsky's side dominated possession (63-37%) and registered more shots (20-14). Shenhua also recorded a considerably higher xG total (3.09-1.79), but failed to make their dominance count, with Rafael Ratao missing a stoppage-time penalty.
The result followed a 3-1 victory against Wuhan Three Towns and a 7-1 demolition of Yunnan Yukun in their two previous CSL fixtures.
Shenhua began their AFC Two campaign with a 2-1 home success against Tampines Rovers in September before a disappointing goalless draw against Cambodian opponents Svay Rieng.
Competing in the AFC Two for the first time, Shehhua endured a miserable AFC Elite campaign last season. The CSL side lost six of eight league phase fixtures, including home defeats against Vissel Kobe and Machida Zelvia.
Machida Extend Unbeaten Run
Machida Zelvia make the trip to China after a goalless draw at Vissel Kobe in Saturday's J1 League contest.
The visitors were unfortunate not to take all three points in a competitive contest at Noevir Stadium Kobe. Machida registered more shots (19-18) and efforts on target (7-6) while they also finished the contest with a higher xG total (2.0-1.29).
Before Saturday's stalemate, Machida had enjoyed a superb four-game winning run. The J1L side secured emphatic victories against Shimizu S-Pulse (5-0) and Avispa Fukuoka (3-0) in their two previous fixtures after back-to-back 1-0 wins at Kyoto Sanga and Tampines Rovers.
Go Kuroda's men began their AFC Two campaign with a comfortable 2-0 win against Svay Rieng in September before their win against Tampines in Singapore.
A solid defence has been the foundation for Machida's strong form. The J1L side kept a clean sheet in each of their last six matches.
The visitors also boast impressive continental credentials, having reached the AFC Champions League Elite final last season. Machida eventually suffered a narrow 1-0 extra-time defeat against Saudi Arabian giants Al Ahli.
Shanghai Shenhua vs Machida Zelvia Team News
Shanghai Shenhua: (4-2-3-1) Xue Qinghao; Wilson Manafa, Yang Shuai, Jiang Shenglong, Yang Zexiang; Wu Xi, Gao Tianyi; Luis Asue, Joao Teixeira, Xie Pengfei; Rafael Ratao.
Shanghai boss Leonid Slutsky could make one or two changes following last weekend's defeat at Shenzhen Peng City.
Yang Shuai is in contention for a recall after a goalscoring substitute appearance last time out.
The hosts have no reported injury concerns.
Machida Zelvia: (3-4-2-1) Kosei Tani; Gen Shoji, Min-tae Kim, Henry Heroki Mochizuki; Hotaka Nakamura, Hiroyuki Mae, Ryohei Shirasaki, Takahiro Akimoto; Yuki Soma, Takuma Nishimura; Mitchell Duke.
Go Kuroda has at least one selection issue to ponder this week. Daihachi Okamura could drop out after he was replaced at half-time last weekend.
Kim Min-Tae stands by to come into the Zelvia defence.
Australian international Mitchell Duke will spearhead the Zelvia attack on Thursday. The 35-year-old has scored twice in 11 appearances this season.
Verdict
Machida have the experience and quality to get the better of a Shanghai side that has frequently struggled in continental competition.
I have my only stake on an away win in Thursday's AFC Two encounter.
I have my only stake on an away win in Thursday's AFC Two encounter.
Machida Zelvia Win
Full Time Result
@11/10 - 2 Units
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