Hebei CFFC can qualify for the AFC Champions League with a win over Shandong Luneng on Saturday morning, with Manuel Pellegrini’s men looking to extend their run of fine form. However, with Felix Magath’s home team looking to finish the season strongly themselves, it could well be a close encounter at the Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium.
Chinese Super League – Jinan Olympic Sports Center Stadium, Jinan – Saturday 4th November – 07:00 UK Time
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Draw Best Odd of: 1/14 at Betfair |
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Shandong Luneng Taishan
Hebei FortuneMatch Preview
Having lost just one of their last five matches, Hebei CFFC are within touching distance of securing their place in the AFC Champions League, a remarkable achievement in what is just their second season in the Chinese Super League. Despite their opponents not being in the best of form, Pellegrini’s men will be well aware of the threat posed by Shandong Luneng, with the likes of Papiss Cisse and Graziano Pelle to deal with. There are a number of appealing betting markets surrounding this match, with our top betting tip well worth considering. However, let’s first take a look at the two teams, starting with the home team.
Shandong Luneng Team News & Form
Their 3-0 defeat away at Guizhou Zhicheng last time around clearly demonstrates the kind of troubles that Shandong Luneng have been in over recent weeks, with Magath’s men having won just once in their last five Chinese Super League outings. Striker Diego Tardelli is the leading scorer for the home side, however the Brazilian has struggled to find his best form in front of goal in recent times. Former Southampton striker Graziano Pelle has not enjoyed the best of times following his arrival in China, however the former Italian international is still a man in which the Hebei defence will have to keep a close eye on. Shandong actually have the best defensive record in the division, despite their recent troubles.
Hebei CFFC Team News & Form
Manager Pellegrini will be looking to make history for this side this weekend, with a place in the AFC Champions League on offer, if his side can claim all three points away from home. Former PSG forward Exequiel Lavezzi is the undoubted star of their team, with the Argentine having scored 17 CSL goals already this season. Hebei also have some strong African talent to call upon, with former Arsenal man Gervinho and Cameroon international Stephan Mbia among their ranks. Having won three of their last five matches, Hebei are undoubtedly the in-form team.
Head to Head
The two teams have met on three occasions in the past, with both clubs having one win to their name each, alongside one draw. The duo played out a disappointing goalless draw last time out, while Hebei came out on top at home last season, before narrowly losing out away from home.
Betting Odds and Predictions
Despite their home advantage, it comes as little surprise that it is Shandong Luneng who are the underdogs for victory with the majority of bookmakers. Felix Magath’s men can be backed at odds of 1/14 at Betfair, while those looking to back an important away victory can take advantage of best odds of 1/100 with the same bookmakers.
Top Betting Tip
However, our top betting tip for the match is to bet on a draw, available at odds of 1/14 at Betfair.