Shanghai Port has been struggling with inconsistent results recently, hovering dangerously close to the relegation zone. The team’s situation is so precarious that one slip-up could see them drop into the bottom tier, a prospect that has left fans frustrated. To turn things around, head coach Muscat must give his all to spark a resurgence in both the Chinese Super League and the FA Cup. He is expected to make adjustments to the starting lineup in search of new breakthroughs.
Adding to the challenges, veteran Wang Shenchao has suffered another injury and is likely to miss the upcoming match against Zhejiang. Wang is a highly capable player with rich experience and excels both offensively and defensively. Former Juventus boss Marcello Lippi, during his tenure as China’s national team coach, held Wang in high regard and gave him a starting role. Wang seized the opportunity and delivered impressive performances under Lippi, much to the surprise of many fans.
Wang Shenchao’s availability for the next match against Zhejiang remains uncertain due to his injury. Meanwhile, three long-absent reinforcements have returned and are hitting top form, bringing smiles to fans’ faces. Muscat is expected to continue relying on them. These three players are Leonardo, Wang Zhen’ao, and Liu Ruofan.
Leonardo has been a standout since joining Shanghai Port last season, often stepping up when the team hits a deadlock. His contributions were instrumental in helping the club secure the CSL title in 2025. Wang Zhen’ao, a versatile defender, has also shown promise and could earn a call-up to the national team with consistent performances. Liu Ruofan, like Leonardo, joined the club last season and has since reached a new peak in his career, making him a player to watch in the future.
