SHANGHAI SIPG vs Hangzhou Greentown Prediction

Right then, let's have a proper look at this one. Shanghai SIPG might be sitting pretty at the top of the table, but blimey, their recent form's been about as solid as a chocolate teapot. They've shipped 23 goals in their last 10 games - that's more than two a game! Not a single clean sheet in that run either. They got hammered 3-1 by Shandong in their last league game, and before that, they were leaking goals all over the shop.

Hangzhou, on the other hand, have been a right pain to beat lately. Only one loss in 10 games, though they do love a draw don't they? Five draws in their last six matches! But here's the thing - they know where the goal is. They've banged in 23 goals in those 10 games, averaging 2.3 per game. Their recent games have been absolute goal fests - 2-2, 2-2, 3-3, 3-3, 2-2. You get the picture.

When these two have met before, it's usually been goals galore. Seven of their nine meetings have seen both teams score, and six have gone over 2.5 goals. Last time out it was a 2-2 draw, and before that Shanghai nicked it 2-1.

Shanghai's home form has been hit and miss - 40% win rate, but they're still conceding at home (2 per game). Hangzhou's away form has been solid - unbeaten in their last five on the road, scoring 2.6 goals per game away from home.

The way I see it, Shanghai's defense is about as convincing as a politician's promise, and Hangzhou are scoring for fun. Both teams to score looks like the smart money here. Shanghai will likely score at home, but given they've kept zero clean sheets in 10 games, you'd fancy Hangzhou to get one too.