Chinese Super League Round 26 Battle for Top Eight: Shanghai Shenhua Face Chongqing, Liu Chengyu Returns

On the evening of September 4, Milorad Milosevic led the entire Shenhua squad from Shanghai to Chongqing. Team reporter Gan Hui revealed that Liu Chengyu was included in the traveling group.

With more than a day remaining before the Chinese Super League Round 26 match kicks off at Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium at 19:00 on September 6, CCTV5+ will broadcast the game live.

After 25 rounds, Chongqing Tongliang Long have 31 points in eighth place, while Shanghai Shenhua have 28 points in ninth. The teams are separated by only three points. The first meeting at Shenhua's home ground ended in a 2-2 draw. Neither side can afford a defeat in this return fixture.

After a long period of treatment and rehabilitation, the 20-year-old domestic attacking prospect has finally made a basic recovery.

He traveled to Chongqing with the team and could feature in this important match.

Last season, he made 17 Chinese Super League appearances for Shenhua, including nine starts, and scored five goals. His explosiveness, acceleration, off-ball movement and finishing ability make him a rare direct-style forward among domestic players.

Shenhua have been lacking this type of attacking variation recently. Their forward efficiency has been low and they have struggled in several matches, while Liu's speed and movement could suit a game against Chongqing's potential deep defensive setup.

However, Gan Hui also noted that Liu has been sidelined for a long time and needs more time to regain match fitness. How much he can contribute immediately after returning from injury will be decided on the pitch.

On the evening of September 1 at Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, Dalian Yingbo Haifa hosted Shanghai Shenhua in the FA Cup quarterfinals.

In the 74th minute, Shenhua No. 11 Saulo Mineiro committed an improper action by kicking an opponent's leg, and the referee showed him a red card.

On the morning of September 4, the Chinese Football Association announced the punishment: Mineiro was suspended for three matches and fined 15,000 yuan.

Since Shenhua had already been eliminated from this season's FA Cup, the three-match suspension will automatically be carried over to league matches. Mineiro will miss the away match against Chongqing Tongliang Long on September 6 and the following two league games.

Mineiro can play as a winger, center forward or attacking midfielder, and his presence can improve Shenhua's attacking threat. Milosevic often used him as a second-half option to exploit defensive gaps with his pace. That option is now unavailable.

Shenhua's squad for the trip to Chongqing does not include a full five-player foreign contingent.

Mineiro's suspension is not the only setback.

On the evening of August 28, during Shenhua's home match against Shandong Taishan in Chinese Super League Round 25, Chen Jinyi fell after a challenge on the left flank in the 78th minute and was carried off on a stretcher.

After the match, Shenhua announced that an MRI examination showed a partial tear of Chen Jinyi's right anterior talofibular ligament, along with mild injuries to the posterior talofibular ligament and deltoid ligament. His recovery period is expected to be 4-6 weeks.

This season, Chen Jinyi has played 29 matches in all competitions for Shenhua, contributing three goals and two assists. He has been one of the team's most-used players, and his absence removes a key figure on the left side.

The new coach's adjustment process is also incomplete. Milosevic has recorded only one win and three defeats in four matches, and the defensive system is still being developed.

However, Chongqing Tongliang Long cannot expect an easy victory simply because they have home advantage.

The promoted side started the season strongly and once climbed to second place, but have now dropped to eighth. They are winless in their last seven matches and are in poor form.

On the same day as the FA Cup quarterfinals, Chongqing lost 0-1 away to Yunnan Yukun and exited the competition.

Coach Liu Jianye favors a 5-4-1 defensive counterattacking system, but foreign forwards Kempanu and Di Manta have gone a long time without scoring, leaving the attack struggling. The physical demands of playing three matches in a week are also a major challenge for Chongqing.

Captain Xiang Yuwang was substituted after only 25 minutes as a substitute in the FA Cup, putting Liu Jianye's 5-4-1 system under increasing scrutiny.

On paper, Shenhua have the stronger squad. They have scored 49 goals in 25 rounds, while Chongqing have scored only 26 and have lacked attacking impact.

However, Shenhua have also conceded 45 goals in 25 rounds, showing defensive weaknesses. Milosevic is expected to select Xue Qinghao; Yang Zexiang, Li Songyi, Zhu Chenjie, Manafa; Wu Xi, Gao Tianyi; Xie Pengfei, Rattan, Teixeira; Asue. Liu Chengyu is set to be the first attacking substitute.

If Asue is contained, Liu Chengyu's pace and movement could become a key factor in breaking down Chongqing's defensive block.

Chongqing's 5-4-1 setup is ready, and Shenhua's attacking options are prepared for the challenge.

September 6 at 19:00, CCTV5+, Chongqing Longxing Football Stadium. The two teams will fight for a crucial result.