Shandong Taishan play host to Dalian Pro on Tuesday looking to record their fourth victory in five Chinese Super League fixtures.
However, their opponents are currently unbeaten in the top flight, albeit with just one win to their name.
Match preview
On the back of a dismal effort in the AFC Champions League, you would have been forgiven for thinking that Shandong Taishan may make a slow start on the domestic front.
However, last season's champions have collected nine points from a possible 12, even though their solitary defeat was by a 4-1 scoreline at Henan SSLM.
Their three wins have all been accompanied by clean sheets, two 1-0 triumphs being followed by the 4-0 demolition of Changchun Yatai last time out.
Hao Wei witnessed his team net three times either side of half time before Moises added his second of the contest with 13 minutes remaining.
From Dalian Pro's perspective, they could not have got much worse than last year's effort where they suffered 15 defeats from 22 fixtures.
Naturally, there was pessimism even before a ball was kicked, but Xie Hui has guided his team to an unbeaten start to the season against the odds.
Six points from four games is regarded as a significant success, although it should be pointed out that they have held winning positions in each of their three draws.
Dalian's only win also came against opposition in Guangzhou City who have lost every game, strengthening the feeling that they should not get carried away with their results at this stage.
- W
- L
- W
- W
- D
- W
- D
- D
Team News
Song Long was required to replace Dai Lin during the first half of the contest with Changchun, and the same alteration could occur in the middle of the backline for this contest.
Former Manchester United midfielder Marouane Fellaini has only been provided with two substitute outings so far this campaign, leading to the likelihood of another appearance on the bench here.
Having made four substitutions before the final quarter against Zhejiang Professional, Xie watched Dalian's opponents score an equaliser soon afterwards.
That may have been enough for changes to be kept down to a minimum, Wang Zhen'ao and Wang Tengda seemingly the most likely to be recalled after their introductions at half time.
On that occasion, Tong Lei and Yan Xiangchuang were both withdrawn, a hint that they may not start this fixture.
Shandong Taishan possible starting lineup:
Wang; Jadson, Song, Wang; Liu Binbin, Moises, Son, Jin, Liu Yang; Cryzan, Chen
Dalian Pro possible starting lineup:
Zhang; Tong, Dong, Lin Longchang, Sun; Fei, Huang, Lu; Shang, Yan, Lin Liangming
We say: Shandong Taishan 1-1 Dalian Pro
Shandong probably have the advantage heading into this contest, the home side showing a greater cutting edge in the final third. However, Dalian will be equally satisfied with their start to the campaign and another stalemate here would be regarded as a step in the right direction.
For data analysis of the most likely results, scorelines and more for this match please click here.
Top tip
Darren Plant
