Titans set to clash in CSL showdown
- By Xiang Bin
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E-mail China.org.cn, May 31, 2013
Defending Chinese Super League (CSL) champions Guangzhou Evergrande will host Shandong Luneng on Saturday in top-of-the-table clash which could be crucial in determining the destination of this year's title.
Evergrande, coached by Marcello Lippi, currently leads the CSL with 31 points after 11 games and is unbeaten so far this season, while Luneng is just 3 points behind having lost only one game. Many see the CSL as a two-horse race between this season's top two clubs.
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Veteran striker Han Peng will lead Luneng's attacking line in CSL's top-of-the-table clash. |
Evergrande has shown it attacking flair and intent, scoring 34 goals in its first 11 games while conceding only 5. The attacking line, led by Muriqui, Dario Conca and Elkeson, has combined for 20 goals, with Elkeson currently the CSL's leading scorer with 15 goals.
Despite his side's strong start, Lippi is wary of the threat posed by Luneng. He said: "It will be very difficult to play against Luneng. But the good thing is we are leading by 3 points."
In contrast to Evergrande, Luneng's lineup is dominated by Chinese players. Veteran striker Han Peng and attacking midfielder Wang Yongpo have grabbed 7 goals apiece so far this term.
Luneng go into Saturday's clash as the most successful side in CLS history, having won the league title in 2006, 2008 and 2010. After a dismal showing over the last two seasons, the side, under the guidance of new coach Rodomir Antic, has emerged this term as the only credible challengers to Evergrande's quest for a third consecutive league crown. Former Real Madrid and Barcelona coach Antic is also anticipating a mouthwatering clash.
"Saturday's game is important," said Antic. "They are a good team but we are ready to show what we are."
Antic and Luneng are bolstered by the return from injury of Hao Junmei and Du Wei. Both players took part in the team's recent training session, giving Antic more options as he prepares for Saturday's clash.
Probable lineups
Guangzhou Evergrande: 4-2-3-1
19-Zeng Cheng; 32-Sun Xiang, 6-Feng Xiaoting, 28-Kim Young Gwon, 5-Zhang Lingpeng; 10-Zheng Zhi, 37-Zhao Xuri; 29-Gao Lin, 15-Conca, 11-Muriqui; 9-Elkeson
Shangdong Luneng: 4-2-3-1
1-Yang Cheng; 16-Zheng Zheng, 2- Liu Jindong, 4-McGowan, 11-Wang Tong; 6-Zhou Haibin, 18-Antar; 24-Lv Zheng, 8-Wang Yongpo, 10-Pisculichi; 9-Han Peng
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