Shanghai SIPG vs Yokohama F. Marinos prediction: Can Muscat's men overcome Oscar's absence against their group stage conquerors? | OneFootball

Shanghai SIPG vs Yokohama F. Marinos: AFC Champions League Round of 16 Preview

Shanghai SIPG will host Yokohama F. Marinos in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Round of 16 tie on Tuesday, with both sides having undergone significant squad transformations during the January transfer window.

Recent Form and Previous Meeting

The Chinese outfit enters this clash having secured back-to-back Super League victories, most recently dispatching Changchun Yatai 2-0. However, their continental form has been less impressive, with Kevin Muscat's men failing to win any of their last three Champions League fixtures.

Yokohama F. Marinos, meanwhile, are unbeaten in their last five matches across all competitions, though they've drawn three of those encounters. Significantly, Stephen Holland's side already claimed a 2-0 victory over Shanghai SIPG during the Champions League group stage, giving them a psychological edge heading into this knockout tie.

Transfer Window Reshuffles

Both clubs have experienced substantial squad overhauls in recent months, with Shanghai SIPG's most notable change being the departure of Brazilian star Oscar, who joined São Paulo on a free transfer. The Chinese side has attempted to fill this creative void by bringing in Leonardo from Shandong Luneng and Mateus Vital from Cruzeiro.

Yokohama have been equally active, adding Colombian defender Jeisson Quiñónes and goalkeeper Park Il-Gyu, while losing several key squad members including Kota Mizunuma to Newcastle Jets and Shinnosuke Hatanaka to Cerezo Osaka.

Tactical Analysis

Shanghai SIPG typically deploy a possession-based approach under Muscat, building attacks methodically through midfield. The addition of Mateus Vital provides a creative spark, while Leonardo offers goal threat from deeper positions.

Gustavo will likely lead the line, having shown good form in domestic competition. The loss of Oscar's creativity remains a significant challenge for the hosts to overcome.

Yokohama F. Marinos counter with their trademark high-pressing system under Holland. Anderson Lopes provides the focal point in attack, supported by the technically gifted Élber. Their recent 2-0 victory over Shanghai demonstrated the effectiveness of their transition play against Muscat's possession-oriented side.

Key Battles

The midfield contest between Shanghai's Matheus Jussa and Yokohama's Jean Claude Aziangbe could prove decisive. Both enforcers provide crucial defensive shields for their respective sides.

In attack, Shanghai will look to Leonardo to provide the creative spark previously offered by Oscar, while Yokohama's defensive pairing of Quiñónes and Watanabe must maintain their concentration against Gustavo's movement.

Injury News and Expected Lineups

Shanghai SIPG are expected to field a similar lineup to their recent Super League victory, with Junling Yan in goal behind a back four of Zhenao Wang, Tyias Browning, Zhen Wei and Shuai Li. The midfield trio of Xin Xu, Matheus Jussa and Jin Feng will likely support an attacking trident of Leonardo, Mateus Vital and Gustavo.

Yokohama should continue with Park Il-Kyu between the posts, protected by Ken Matsubara, Jeisson Quiñónes, Taiki Watanabe and Katsuya Nagato. Kota Watanabe and Jean Claude Aziangbe will anchor midfield, with Kenta Inoue, Asahi Uenaka and Élber supporting Anderson Lopes in attack.

Prediction and Betting Odds

The betting odds for this fixture are relatively balanced, with Shanghai SIPG slight favourites at 2.13, the draw at 3.60, and Yokohama F. Marinos at 3.27.

Given Yokohama's previous success against Shanghai and their solid recent form, this promises to be a tightly contested affair. Shanghai's home advantage could prove significant, but Yokohama's tactical discipline and counter-attacking prowess make them dangerous opponents.

The winner of this two-legged tie will advance further in the restructured "ACLE Elite" format, with the tournament champions set to receive a record $12 million prize – the highest in Asian club football history.

Predicted Score: Shanghai SIPG 1-1 Yokohama F. Marinos