Cao Jie's absence, even when recruiting new members, made the veterans hesitant, as if the threads of fate had slipped loose. The national team's flop raises questions about the prosperity of the Chinese Super League. This year's Chinese Super League looks prosperous, but it's a sham. However, the game still goes on, and the dust has yet to settle in the Shenhua-Harbor matchup. Wu Lei is in an awkward position in the national team, lacking Oscar-like passing, and he is not far from the rest of the players. Lacking Amadou's interceptions in the midfield, Shenhua's backline is also unable to build an impenetrable fortress.
When the foreigners will come together will probably be the key to Shenhua's ability to win the cup this season. Malelai's serious injury has prevented him from participating in regular training, and the match against Zhejiang is only in the last week. If he fails to recover, it may be a lucky news for Shenhua. Zhejiang beat Chengdu Rongcheng 3-2, despite going through warm-up matches, with all their starters out. Wei Shihao's goal energized the team. The reformed Zhejiang team is not inferior to the top three in terms of fighting power. With no one available, fringe player Aidi was given a chance. In the next intensive schedule, Eddie and Jin Shunkai must always be ready. Slutsky's fixed strategy is gradually showing problems, when the team needs to adjust the lineup, many players lack the opportunity to play. The manager has to take into account the players' match form and experience, and with five matches against Shenhua in September, the title may be on the line. Shenhua is at a physical disadvantage, while Port has a full lineup of foreigners and even more international players than Shenhua. After the break, the first game of the Chinese Super League will be even more confusing and Port's form may explode.
