Beijing Guoan and Shenzhen square off in the Chinese Super League on Tuesday with both teams in close proximity to the top of the standings.
Each side have lost just one of their opening four fixtures, and a win at the Workers' Stadium should close the gap on the three pacesetters.
Match preview
After posting their lowest finish in four seasons during 2021, Beijing are motivated to make improvements and launch a stronger title challenge.
The 2019 runners-up will be relatively content with the outcome of their opening quartet of fixtures, particularly having suffered defeat in their first game.
Since then, seven points have been collected from encounters against Rongcheng, Tianjin TMT and Meizhou Hakka, although the latter match should have ended with a third successive win.
Xie Feng had witnessed his side establish a 2-1 lead when their opponents went down to 10 men, but they allowed Meizhou to equalise at a player disadvantage after the break.
Zhang Yuning had earlier scored a double in that fixture, the forward taking his tally to three for the season.
While Shenzhen finished one place lower than Beijing Guoan last season, they have made the faster start out of the blocks with three hard-fought wins.
Lee Sang-Soo is yet to witness his team score more than twice in a single game, but conceding just three times is one of the best defensive efforts in the division.
Last time out, an early Frank Acheampong goal earned Shenzhen a 1-0 victory over Cangzhou Mighty Lions, the Ghanaian forward netting his third strike of the season.
However, three of Shenzhen's first four fixtures have taken place at home, this game providing a different test as they bid to remain among the teams challenging for first place.
- L
- W
- W
- D
- W
- W
- L
- W
Team News
Beijing were forced into two relatively early changes last time out with Jin Pengxiang and Samuel Adegbenro both being withdrawn by the 47th minute.
Zhang Xizhe and Wang Ziming were introduced in their place and could earn a start in this contest.
Barring any injury issues, Lee may opt against making any alterations to his Shenzhen XI after overseeing another three points.
Xu Yue appears to be the most likely to be brought into the team if lee wants to freshen up his midfield.
Beijing Guoan possible starting lineup:
Hou; Wang, Yu, Kang; Zhang Chengdong, Memisevic, Chi, Zhang Xizhe, Liu; Wang Ziming, Zhang Yuning
Shenzhen possible starting lineup:
Zhang Lu; Shinar, Xu, Lim, Zhang Yuan, Huang; Liu, Li, Wang; Gao, Acheampong
We say: Beijing Guoan 1-1 Shenzhen
Both teams have already hinted this campaign that they have the quality to maintain a title push, and that should make for a competitive fixture on Tuesday. Nevertheless, the side may also err on the side of caution, leading us to predict a share of the spoils.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
