Both matches hinge on the first pass out of midfield and the next touch inside the box. Shanghai Port have a working route from central reception to runners behind the defence, while Cong An Ha Noi have shown they can press and enter dangerous areas. Daejeon and Vissel Kobe should contest the first aerial ball and its rebound before either attack settles. The quality of the next delivery looks more revealing than recent scorelines alone.
Shanghai's Vital and Leonardo have connected with Ampem for completed attacks against Tianjin and Chengdu. Cong An Ha Noi can release Quang Hai and Léo Artur after a regain, but Đình Bắc, who started their previous match, was subsequently reported not to have travelled; his carrying and rebound role has been a concrete part of their best attacks. Shanghai can use that stronger current finishing chain and its later attacking options as the game opens. That's why I'm siding with Shanghai Port to win this match.
Kobe can challenge Daejeon's midfield clearances through Osako's aerial receptions, Muto's movement and the second ball. Daejeon have restored wide supply with Diogo and Ludwigson after changes, but their recent decisive finishes came very late or through an own goal. Kobe's core roles were active in their latest match, Sasaki has returned for minutes, and Komatsu has supplied another direct target when Osako leaves. Gonda's saves give that connection time to work, so I'm siding with Vissel Kobe to leave with a result.
