Shanghai: Coach Sven Goran Eriksson has backed continental debutants Shanghai SIPG ahead of Tuesday’s meeting with Melbourne Victory from Australia as the Chinese Super League side chase a place in the last 16 of the AFC Champions League as Group G winners with victory at Shanghai Stadium.
Shanghai lost 2-1 to Melbourne in Australia at the start of the campaign, but have since recorded three consecutive AFC Champions League wins to move three points clear of the A-League side at the top of the table.
And Shanghai know a fourth win on Tuesday would secure qualification for the last 16 as Group G winners with a game to spare, while a draw would also be enough to secure progress, as would Suwon Samsung Bluewings of Korea Republic failing to beat Japan’s Gamba Osaka.
“Now we are in a good shape and I hope to keep it until tomorrow. I hope players can run and fight as usual, I have faith in them,” said Shanghai coach Eriksson, who will be without midfielder Cai Huikang due to suspension, having seen his side beat Guangzhou R&F 1-0 in the Super League on Friday.
“I've watched Melbourne's recent game in which they lost 2-1 to Brisbane. They had a good performance with an unfortunate result. They were also pretty good in our first encounter. They are very good at intensive force and tireless running. They are physically very strong, I hope we can manage to win it.
“Everything is possible in football. We had a good match last time, but the result wasn't so ideal. However after that we have done well in the CSL and ACL recently. Why can't we keep this status going? Of course there is always worries in football. But all our players are ready for a good match.
“Asamoah Gyan is fully recovered. But I can't tell you if he is in the starting 11 or not. Let the coach of our opponent worry about it. The only disadvantage of Gyan now is that he hasn't played much after recovery.”
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Melbourne, meanwhile, must re-group after losing 2-1 to Brisbane Roar in the A-League Grand Finals series on Friday with a win against Shanghai sending Kevin Muscat’s side through to the last 16 for the first time in five attempts.
“We just arrived in Shanghai today,” said Melbourne coach Muscat, who could also see his side progress if both Group G matches on Tuesday end in draws.
“There are only two games left in the group. We respect Shanghai very much. We have encountered played them already, and we will try to fight for a win tomorrow.
“We should have arrived Shanghai earlier, however due to the domestic league, we came a bit late. But I don't think this will affect our performance because we are fully prepared both physically and mentally. We will do our best.
“I have watched Shanghai's game videos and noticed that they have very good attacking force. So we will first emphasise on defending, then trying to score. This will be the only approach for us to win the game.”
Photo: Lagardère Sports
Source: the-afc.com