Sports Mole previews Monday’s Chinese Super League clash between Chengdu Qianbao and Meizhou Hakka, including predictions, team news and possible line-ups.
Chengdu Qianbao will be looking to get their first Chinese Super League win when they host Meizhou Hakka on Monday.
Meanwhile, the visitors go into this competition with a run of four games unbeaten, albeit with three draws to their credit.
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After climbing to the top flight last season, Chengdu will be about survival and things are going so well on that front so far.
With three teams yet to register a point, Chengdu’s return of two points from four games is enough for 14th place in the table.
Even though Seo Jung-wonstarted the campaign with two defeats, since then there have been draws against Cangzhou Mighty Lions and Tianjin TMT respectively.
Both stalemates came away, although the second point came after an initial early lead.
Though Seo sits outside of the relegation zone for now, Seo will realize that to create any respite above the bottom three, the maximum score will need to be recorded sooner rather than later.
Meizhou Hakka have also recently been promoted to the Chinese Super League but have made a much better start than Monday’s hosts.
Aside from three draws on their tally, their lone success came in Shenzhen, which has won their other three games.
Frank Bernhardt will certainly not be disturbed at this point, but the foundations for a more pleasant year than initially expected have been laid for the newcomers.
Their six goals were shared among the squad, the only player to contribute two goals was Rodrigo Henrique.
Form of Chengdu Qianbao Chinese Super League:
Form of Meizhou Hakka Chinese Super League:
Team News
Having only made one change in the draw in Tianjin, Seo may choose not to make any changes to his Chengdu XI.
Chow Tim and Gou Junchen have made their return from their recent suspensions, but Abduhamit Abdugheni has one game left to complete his suspension.
Meizhou also has to deal with its own suspension Yang Chaosheng two yellow cards in the game against Beijing Guoan.
Liang Huo could be introduced as an equivalent replacement, but Bernhardt has alternatives if he wants to tinker with his starting line-up.
While top scorer Henrique was only named on the bench last time out, the Brazilian could replace Yin Congyao in the last third.
Chengdu Qianbao possible starting lineup:
geng; Liu, Windbichler, Hu; Gan Rui, Romulo, Gan Chao, Chow, Hu; Philip, Kim
Meizhou Hakka possible starting line-up:
hou; Liang, Liao, Dugalic, Yang Yihu; Kosovic, Shi; Yang Yilin, Henrique, Li; Vukanovic
We say: Chengdu Qianbao 1-1 Meizhou Hakka
Already four points adrift in the standings, Meizhou sees a chance to continue their solid start to the campaign. However, Chengdu appears to be moving in the right direction, leading us to forecast a few-points draw on Monday.
For data analysis of the most likely outcomes, goal scores and more for this game, please click here.
top tip
Our expert Tipster partners at Sporita.com predict over 1.5 goals in this game. Click here to find out what else they predict for this game and for more of their football best tips.About 1.5: data