Bitesize Prediction: Shanghai Shenhua vs Changchun Yatai – 13/07/24

Competition: Chinese Super League

Market: Cephas Malele to score anytime

Odds: 1/1 @ Pribet

Smelling the chance to widen their buffer in the AFC Champions League chase, Shanghai will welcome Changchun to town on Saturday lunchtime.

Starting with the hosts, embarking on what has become a sensational purple patch this season, Shanghai Shenhua are sat firmly in the driving seat to clinch an AFC Champions League ticket in 2024. Last seen putting in another rampant performance as they stormed their way to a stunning 6-0 romp at home against Shandong Taishan, Leonid Slutsky’s men will be desperately seeking a repeat display here. Signing off June with a 1-0 victory away at Qingdao West Coast, the Blues have won all of their previous four appearances across all competitions. Likewise, the one-time Hull City boss has not seen his high-flying squad suffer a single defeat from any of their first 18 Super League appearances. Opening up this weekend’s fixtures sat just two points adrift of leapfrogging bitter local rivals Shanghai Port and climbing to the top of the table, Slutsky’s high-flying side are rightfully pencilled in as a standout contender this weekend.

As for the visitors, while Changchun might have signed off June with a thumping 5-0 romp against Qingdao Hainiu, Xie Hui’s men have continued to struggle with their consistency since opening up the 2024 campaign. Forced to settle for a lively 2-2 stalemate against Tianjin Jinmen last week, the Reds have recorded just a single victory from any of their previous six Super League appearances. Still battling it out in the bottom-half of the table, the Jilin-based outfit will also be concerned by their extended issues away from the Nanling Stadium. Including a 3-1 loss at the hands of Zhejiang Professional on June 15th, Saturday’s guests have recorded just a sole win on the road from their previous seven attempts – a run that stems all the way back to March 8th. Likewise, it should also be highlighted, continuing on from last season, Changchun have won just a trio of their last 19 Super League battles outside of Jilin.

Bet: Cephas Malele 1/1 to score anytime against Changchun Yatai in Saturday’s Chinese Super League matchup @ Pribet