Jinan: Shandong Luneng will be without striker Yang Xu and defender Zhao Mingjian for Wednesday’s meeting with Japan’s Sanfrecce Hiroshima as the Chinese Super League side seek a return to the knockout stage for the first time since reaching the 2005 quarter-finals.
Shandong currently sit three points behind Group F leaders FC Seoul having shared a goalless draw with the K-League Classic side earlier this month and Mano Menezes’ side will advance with victory over Sanfrecce at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre, although the visitors will be eliminated by a defeat.
But Shandong will be without Yang (pictured), who scored as Menezes’ side beat Sanfrecce 2-1 at the start of the campaign, and Zhao with the pair having started all four games in the AFC Champions League this season each scoring once.
“We are well prepared. Except Yang Xu and Zhao Mingjian, we have a full squad. This match will be the most important one of ours recently. We are confident to fight the pressure and have a good result,” said Shandong coach Menezes, who saw his side beat Yanbian Funde 3-1 in the Super League on Friday.
“I don’t have to emphasise on the importance to my players, they are aware of it. As the coach my job is to choose the best players for the game.
“Recently we have been researching on how to reduce fouls and how to present the best us. I could say that we are well prepared. I will have belief in every player that is chosen by me.
“Recently we have very good team spirit. We will qualify from the group if we win. I hope we can do it and make our fans happy.”
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J.League champions Sanfrecce, meanwhile, will be eliminated by a defeat at Jinan Olympic Sports Centre despite beating Buriram United 2-0 in Thailand earlier this month with Hajime Moriyasu’s side four points adrift of Group F leaders FC Seoul and a point behind Shandong.
“Tomorrow it is going to be a very tough game and important for both sides. Shandong for sure will do their best to keep the hope of qualification alive,” said Sanfrecce coach Moriyasu, who saw his side beat Albirex Niigata 1-0 in the J.League on Saturday.
“Peter Utaka and the other foreign players haven't come here with us due to status issues, but we still have the Korean player travelling here with us.
“We have some players who were injured in the domestic matches; they played in the first encounter with Jiangsu, but will be absent tomorrow.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com