Preview: Shanghai Shenhua vs. Tianjin Jinmen Tiger - prediction, team news, lineups

Two teams pushing toward the top of the Chinese Super League will meet on Sunday when second-placed Shanghai Shenhua play host to Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

The visitors are currently sat in fourth place and head into this match with a 14-match unbeaten streak in all competitions.

Match preview

Shanghai Shenhua have been impressive throughout this season, and they continued that in midweek by defeating Nantong Zhiyun by a goal to nil.

It was the third Chinese Super League match in a row that the team managed to win 1-0, showcasing how strong they are from a defensive perspective.

The fact that they only needed a single goal in three matches showcases the confidence that the team have, as well as the focus that they have as a unit.

Shanghai Shenhua are currently trailing the league leaders by four points, putting plenty of pressure on them in each game as they look to keep a close distance to them.

Wu Jingui's men are undefeated in home fixtures this season in the league, which should inject plenty of confidence into the team heading into this one, despite the tough competition that they face.

The visitors are currently sat in fourth and have also impressed throughout the campaign, and the fact that they have gone 14 matches without a loss in all competitions heading into this proves how stern of a test they will provide on Sunday.

While the hosts have not lost a single match at home this season, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger have not lost a game period, proving how confidently they have been playing.

On the road, they have averaged one goal per game while only conceding three times to this point, proving that they are just as defensively strong.

It should create a tense and close fixture this weekend due to how impressive both teams have been so far this season, but the visitors will not want to let Shanghai Shenhua runaway from them.

There is currently a five-point gap between them, and while Tianjin Jinmen Tiger cannot move up a position with a victory, it would keep the pressure on them.

Team News

Joao Teixeira was able to start in midweek and after an impressive performance, he could find himself being in the starting lineup this time around.

It is expected that Cephas Malele will also find himself being part of the attack heading into this game as he aims to retain his place in the team.

Farley Rosa will be hoping to provide just as much attacking confidence for the visitors, especially after scoring a brace in their most recent outing.

Xie Weijun had been surprisingly dropped in their most recent outing, but he could end up being put back into the team due to the quality he offers the team.

Shanghai Shenhua possible starting lineup:

Bao; Jin, Jiang, Francis; Hing-Glover, Wang, Amadou, Yu, Teixeira, Liu; Malele

Tianjin Jinmen Tiger possible starting lineup:

Xu; Chang, Yang, Andujar, Han, Ming; Wang, Guo, Merida, Rosa; Xie

We say: Shanghai Shenhua 1-1 Tianjin Jinmen Tiger

This match is set to be a very close one due to how impressive both teams have been this season, particularly from a defensive point of view.

Because of how strong they have each been it is likely that they play out to a draw, with neither team wanting to give too much away.

For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.