- Team form: Guangxi Hengchen have won 2 and drawn 2 of their last 4 home games in all competitions, showing impressive resilience and tenacity in their home matches.
- Away form: Shandong Luneng Taishan FC have lost 3 of their last 5 away matches in all competitions, conceding an average of 2.20 goals per game on the road.
An FA Cup classic – David v Goliath
Shandong Luneng Taishan FC will enter this fixture as the odds-on favorites at 1.73, with hosts Guangxi Hengchen listed as outsiders at 4.28, with the draw priced at 3.8. Both sides have been involved in some thrilling games recently and the draw looks a very interesting option here at a fair price.
Guangxi Hengchen have a very consistent run in recent times, avoiding defeat in 5 of their last 5 games, including an exciting 3-3 draw at home to Foshan Nanshi FC in the Jia League 2026. Guangxi have drawn 3 consecutive games, so another tie wouldn't be unexpected here.
Shandong have been in less consistent form, winning 2, drawing 1 and losing 2 of their last 5 fixtures, most recently being beaten 4-1 away to Zhejiang Professional FC. Both teams to score – Yes looks a very strong bet at 1.63, as both teams have been scoring and conceding freely recently.
Back the hosts in a scrappy match
Recent form
Guangxi have been very consistent in recent matches, winning 4, drawing 4 and only losing 2 of their last 10 in all competitions. Shandong are a step up in grade for the hosts, but this is a cup game.
Defensive and tactical notes
Shandong have conceded an average of 2.20 goals on the road in their last 5, while Guangxi boss Liu Junwei has his men sitting deep, soaking up pressure and looking to spring counter-attacks, especially on set pieces.
With the home team possessing an abundance of cup motivation and a proven ability to play deep and frustrate, we're backing Guangxi to at least avoid defeat in this contest.
- Peng Han likes to play a more structured, controlled style of soccer, with his side preferring to dominate the ball, be it in a 4-2-3-1 or 4-4-2 formation.
- His men will look to stretch the play with their midfield and full backs, before looking to accelerate into the channels with their attackers.
- The space behind the Shandong full-backs will be crucial to this game, as Guangxi will look to exploit them on the break, while Shandong will need to be more clinical on their limited opportunities.
