Preview: Johor Darul Ta’zim FC vs. Shanghai Haigang FC in AFC Champions League

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia (Interstat) — Two sides seeking a positive finish to their continental campaigns will meet Tuesday when Malaysia’s Johor Darul Ta’zim FC hosts China’s Shanghai Haigang FC in an AFC Champions League World stage group match.

The game at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium is the final Group H fixture for both clubs, who have been eliminated from knockout round contention. It offers a chance to end a difficult season in the competition on a higher note.

Johor Darul Ta’zim (2-1-2, 7 points) enters the match following a 2-0 away loss to Australia’s Melbourne City FC on Nov. 25. The Malaysian champions have shown resilience at home this tournament, notably defeating Chinese Super League side Shanghai Shenhua FC 3-1 on Nov. 5.

Shanghai Haigang (0-1-4, 1 point) has struggled throughout, arriving on a four-match losing streak. Its most recent result was a 3-1 home defeat to South Korea’s FC Seoul on Nov. 25. The Chinese FA Cup holders have been outscored 10-1 over their last four matches and have yet to record a victory in this phase.

According to Interstat’s game simulator, the projected final score is a 1-1 draw.

Johor Darul Ta’zim will look to forwards Fernando Forestieri and Arif Aiman Hanapi to spark its attack. Shanghai Haigang’s hopes likely rest with Brazilian striker Paulo Henrique and Chinese international Wu Lei, though the team has managed just two goals in five group games.

Following this match, Johor Darul Ta’zim will resume AFC Champions League play Feb. 10 at Japan’s S’frecce Hiroshima. Shanghai Haigang’s next continental fixture is Feb. 11 at home against South Korea’s Gangwon FC.

Kickoff is set for 8:50 p.m. local time (2050 GMT).