Shanghai Port beat Shandong Taishan 3-1 in the 2024 FA Cup final to lift their first-ever cup and complete a domestic double. Fast-forward to now, Port are unbeaten in their last five with four wins and look to be hitting their stride at exactly the right time.

Shandong have improved since Tang Tian took interim charge in late July, but their inconsistency remains a concern, with recent defeats against Qingdao West Coast, Dalian, Henan and Beijing Guoan. With a fully fit foreign attacking unit providing extra firepower, Shanghai Port look the more reliable side and the smarter pick to win.

Analysis by Broker Heisenberg - Updated Sep 1, 2026