Shanghai Shenhua will face Dalian English Bo in a crucial Chinese FA Cup quarterfinal clash at 19:35 Beijing time on September 1. The match will be held at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, with Ren Tong appointed as the referee and Ai Kun serving as the VAR official, as reported by Dongqiudi who released the starting lineups prior to kickoff.
What are the key features of the starting lineups
Shanghai Shenhua's starting eleven includes goalkeeper Ma Zhen, with a defensive line of Manafa, Jiang Shenglong, Zhu Chenjie, and Yang Zexiang. The midfield consists of Gao Tianyi, Wu Xi, and João Teixeira, while the attacking trio is formed by Xie Pengfei, Luis Ávila, and Rafael Ratão. Manager Slutsky has also opted to start four foreign players, in line with the competition's regulations. On the bench, Shenhua have thirteen additional options including Bao Yaxiong, Jin Shunkai, Wang Haijian, and Xu Haoyang.
For Dalian English Bo, the manager has also selected a lineup featuring four foreign players. Huang Zihao starts in goal, defended by Mao Weijie, Bi Jinhao, Mamadou Traoré, and Lü Zhuoyi. The midfield is composed of Liao Jintao, Alimi, Luo Jing, and Nicolae Stanciu, with the forward pairing of Delgado and Frank Acheampong. Their twelve-player substitute list includes Wang Xuanhong and Yan Peng.
What are the crucial aspects of this matchup
The outcome of this match directly determines who advances to the FA Cup semifinals, making it a must-win for Shanghai Shenhua who have championship ambitions. Dalian English Bo, as a China League One side playing at home with four capable foreign players, are certain to pose a significant challenge. Shenhua will rely on the attacking threat of Luis Ávila and Rafael Ratão to break down the opposition, while the midfield duo of Wu Xi and Gao Tianyi needs to control the tempo of the game.
Based on historical encounters and squad strength, Shanghai Shenhua are undoubtedly the favorites. However, cup competitions are notoriously unpredictable, where any minor mistake can change the course of the game. Shenhua have been consistent in the league this season and currently sit near the top of the table, which you can check on our standings page. The team aims to make a breakthrough in the cup as well, striving to secure AFC Champions League qualification for next season.
How has the team prepared and what comes next
In preparation for this match, the entire Shanghai Shenhua squad arrived in Dalian early for acclimatization training. Manager Slutsky focused on defensive drills to counter the opponent's quick transitions, while also emphasizing patience in attack during training sessions. The team's injury situation is relatively positive, with key players maintaining fitness.
Regardless of this result, Shanghai Shenhua face a congested fixture list in September. Beyond the FA Cup, the team must navigate several tough league matches, with the full schedule available on our fixtures page. Player rotation and energy management will be critical considerations for the coaching staff. The squad currently possesses good depth, which provides a foundation for competing on multiple fronts. Detailed player information can be found on the squad page.
The match kicks off during the prime evening viewing slot and is expected to attract considerable fan attention. For Shanghai Shenhua, this represents the most critical fixture in their FA Cup campaign this season, with the whole team eager to secure a victory and move closer to the trophy. The team's next league opponent is Tianjin Jinmen Tiger, with that match scheduled for September 6.
