Gangwon FC vs Shanghai Shenhua: Predictions Preview, Lineups, H2h for September 16, 2025

In the first round of the AFC Champions League group stage, Gangwon will face Shanghai Shenhua. This match is scheduled for Tuesday, September 16, in Chuncheon, starting at 12:00 Central European Time. A bet on goals seems promising for this game.

Match preview

Gangwon is keen to make an impact in the AFC Champions League. The team is known for its swift wing play and aggressive pressing, typical of many K League teams.

Strong defense combined with the talents of key players enables them to create scoring opportunities, even against experienced opponents.

The squad features local talents and several foreign signings from Brazil and Montenegro. Last season, Gangwon finished as runners-up, marking their best performance in recent times.

In the domestic league, Gangwon is currently mid-table. In their last match, they secured a victory against Seoul at home, moving up to sixth place. They are only five points away from second place.

Shanghai Shenhua, one of China’s more reliable clubs in recent years, opens their new continental campaign against a relatively modest opponent.

The team has shown solid performance in the Super League, combining possession-based football with varied attacks and quick counterattacks. The mix of foreign talents and local stars creates a strong team that effectively controls critical areas and converts chances.

While not as star-studded as in the past, Shanghai Shenhua maintains a recognizable playing style. Last season, they narrowly missed the league title by just one point, a trophy they haven’t won since 2003.

In the current season, Shenhua is again in the title chase. They face competition from Shanghai Port, Chengdu, and Beijing Guoan. With six rounds remaining, Shenhua is in third place, three points behind the leaders.

Match facts

• Gangwon has only lost one of their last eight matches.
• Shenhua has won just once in their last six games.
• Gangwon averages 1.4 goals per home game, while Shanghai scores an average of 1.8 goals away.

Probable lineups

• Gangwon: Park, Shin, Pak, Tuchi, Song, Lee, Seo, Kang, Mo, Kim, Kim.
• Shanghai Shenhua: Xu, Manafa, Zhu, Zhang, Chan, Wu, Yennaris, Liu, Wang, Teixeira, Asue.

H2H

This will be the first encounter between the two teams.

Prediction

This match is likely to be exciting and action-packed. Gangwon aims to leverage their home advantage for a positive outcome. However, Shanghai Shenhua’s more experienced and balanced squad may take quick advantage of any mistakes. While bookmakers have listed Gangwon as slight favorites, my prediction is that both teams will score.