In terms of tactical layout, Coach Slutsky will, unsurprisingly, ditch the usual four-back system. Chen Jinyi, Manafa, Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Shenglong, the new star of the national team who just returned from injury, will form a solid backline. Among them, Zhu Chenjie and Jiang Shenglong will partner with the center backs, while Manafa and Chen Jinyi, who are absolute foreign wings, will split the wings and play the role of side backs. The national soccer team will arrange Yang Zexiang as a substitute. Special mention should be made of the performance of Manafa, the foreign flyhalf who has just returned to the team.
As for the midfield, Shanghai Shenhua's midfield blocking and stealing responsibilities naturally fall on the shoulders of former national soccer captain Wu Xi; the double back alongside him is expected to be local star Wang Haijian. France's Amadou is still out due to injury. Given the absence of ace foreigner Teixeira due to suspension, international player Xie Pengfei is expected to take his place as the centerpiece of the attack up front. Xu Haoyang and Brazilian foreign aid Andre Luiz are expected to be Xie Pengfei's left and right wing assistant machines. As for the front line, the 37-year-old local ace striker will shoulder the burden of Shanghai Shenhua's offense, considering Mallet's recent sluggish form. Mallet will be on standby as a substitute. All things considered, Shanghai Shenhua's starting lineup for their match against Ulsan HD is likely to be: Bao Yaxiong; Chen Jinyi, Manafa, Zhu Chenjie, Jiang Shenglong; Wang Haijian, Wu Xi; Xu Haoyang, Xie Pengfei, Andre Luiz; Jaehan Chao.
