Shanghai SIPG (Chn) - Kashima (Jpn)

Shanghai SIPG vs Kashima Antlers
Asia – AFC Champions League
Date: Wednesday, 16 May 2018
Kick-Off at 13:00 UK
Venue: Shanghai Stadium (Shanghai).

Shanghai SIPG are going to host Kashima Antlers in the return match of the AFC Champions League eight-finals.

The hosts started the season furiously, they booked six straight wins in the start of the Chinese Super League and were in control of the top spot in their group. However, they entered a results crisis and Oscar and the lads failed to win in the last four league games while they suffered a 3-1 defeat in the first-leg against this opposition. They need to get back on winning track if they want to book their place in the quarter-finals and keep the top spot in the domestic league.

On the other hand, the visitors are not content of their J-League performances, they are sitting on the 10th place, and however they improved their game lately and tied three straight wins. They found the way through the knockout round in a very tight group in which they were involved in three draws. They are bringing a serious advantage in their bag and they have a good chance of advancing to the next round.

Shanghai SIPG v Kashima Antlers: Head-to-head

These two sides met each other only once, in the mentioned first leg clash in which Kashima Antlers celebrated a 3-1 victory.

Shanghai SIPG v Kashima Antlers: Prediction

Although the hosts are in a bad form, they should be able to book a win in front of their fans, but it is questionable if it will be enough for proceeding to the quarter-finals. Shanghai SIPG have some big names in their squad and they are one of the top contenders for the title in this competition.

The hosts have been very productive and they are scoring goals on regular basis. As the visitors have also been involved in high scoring matches so far, in this match we might see at least three goals.