August 31, nightfall in Beijing, January 35, 1999, the Chinese Super League temporarily suspended, at this time, a high-profile match between the strongest teams in the FA Cup Quarter-Finals. Shandong Luneng Taishan faced the rival of the Chinese Super League's oldest team, Beijing Guoan.
Looking back at the last round of Chinese Super League matches, Shandong Luneng had been in the predicament of being 0:1 down, and with two consecutive brilliant goals scored by striker Cressan, they completed the reversal and won a crucial victory. With Shanghai Port losing again in this round, the difference between Shandong Luneng and Shanghai Port narrowed to 9 points, and the battle for the Chinese Super League title is in new suspense.
Shandong Luneng will not only fight for the Super League title, but also the FA Cup. They are more likely to win the AFC Cup than the CSL title. Shandong Luneng has won the AFC Cup seven times in its history, the most of any team in the Chinese Super League, and is considered a "professional" in the AFC Cup. Facing Beijing Guoan, who is also aiming to win the title, Shandong Luneng will definitely give their best. It is expected that head coach Cui Kangxi will not hesitate to sacrifice the strongest starting lineup in his mind.
In the goalkeeper position, Wang Dalei has naturally become Shandong Luneng's first choice to guard the goal. On the defensive side, Cui Kangxi is expected to continue with the four-guard formation that he specializes in. It is worth noting that compared to the last round of debuts, Song Long and Tong Lei will be on the bench, replaced by Zhang Qi and Wang Tong. The starting double center back pairing will remain Jia Desong and Shi Ke.
In the midfield, Evergrande veteran Li Yuanyi will undoubtedly be the mainstay of Shandong Luneng's interception and stealing in the midfield and backfield, and his partner will be another Evergrande veteran Liao Lisheng. Facing the double midfield, Brazilian ace Moises is expected to play a key role in the midfield and up front, leading Luneng's forward attack. The fast horses alongside him will be Fernando and Liu Binbin, who has just returned from injury.
On the front line, Belgian ace Fellaini will continue to charge for Shandong Luneng. New foreigner Pato will continue to miss out due to injury, and Cressan will serve as a substitute.
Accordingly, the expected starting lineup for Shandong Luneng's FA Cup Quarterfinal against Beijing Guoan is: Wang; Zhang Chi, Jia Desong, Shi Ke, Wang Tong; Li Yuanyi, Liao Lisheng; Liu Binbin, Moises, Fernando; Fellaini.
