JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (Interstat) — A pivotal AFC Champions League match sees Johor Darul Ta’zim FC host Shanghai Shenhua FC on Wednesday with both clubs level on points and seeking a crucial victory to boost their knockout stage hopes.

The Group H clash at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium features two teams with identical 1-1-1 records in the continental competition. Both sides also mirror each other in their overall season form, each holding a record of one win, one loss and one draw across all competitions.

Johor Darul Ta’zim arrives with momentum following a 2-0 victory over Cheng Rongcheng in their last outing on Oct. 21. That win snapped a two-match winless streak in the group stage, which included a 1-1 draw with FC Machida Zelvia and a 2-1 loss to Buriram Utd.

Shanghai Shenhua, meanwhile, is buoyed by a confidence-boosting 2-0 home win over Seoul on Oct. 22. That result followed a 1-1 draw with Ulsan and a 2-1 loss to Gangwon in earlier group stage fixtures.

According to the Interstat game simulator, Johor Darul Ta’zim is projected to earn a narrow 1-0 victory. The match is a critical juncture in the group, with both teams looking to climb the table.

Following this contest, Shanghai Shenhua will next face Vissel Kobe on Nov. 26, while Johor Darul Ta’zim travels to play Melbourne City FC on Nov. 25.