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| The Chinese Super League is in full swing as we reach halfway, with the top two battling it out. |
The Chinese Super League is in full swing as we reach the halfway point, Guangzhou Evergrande still lead the log standings. The top two teams will face off this weekend in Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG, with the bottom two teams facing relegation. Let’s see how they’ll fair.
Saturday 22 July
18/10 Guizhou Zhicheng | Draw 47/20 | Hebei 27/20 (09:30)
Guizhou Zhicheng couldn’t get on the scorecards in their round 17 clash against Beijing Guoan as they suffered a 2-0 defeat. Zhicheng will want to change that this round. With only four wins recorded this season, a shift in form is needed to steer this team back to winning ways. A goal from Ezequiel Lavezzi was not enough as Hebei suffered their fifth loss of the season. A comfortable win is on the cards for the away team.
17/20 Chongqing Lifan | 47/20 | Tianjin Teda 32/10 (13:35)
Chongqing Lifan have won three on the trot, with the likes of Fernandinho and Alan Kardec in fine form. With 24 goals scored in their campaign, Lifan have also conceded 22, a number they would want to restrict. Tianjin Teda’s poor run of form continues, with only three wins from 17, their recent draw sees them slip to fourth from the bottom. With 24 goals conceded, their defence needs to sharpen up in this weekend’s encounter. Back the home side to win against struggling bottom half Tianjin Teda.
3/10 Jiangsu Suning | 38/10 | Liaoning 15/2 (13:35)
Jiangsu will host Liaoning as they will want to claw their ways out of relegation. The home side sit second from the bottom with a just one win from 17 matches. Liaoning are currently on a five-game losing streak, and a loss from Suning will see them enter into the relegation zone. Back Liaoning to win this match based on their high goalscoring record.
6/10 Shandong Luneng | 11/4 | Changchun Yatai 9/2 (13:35)
Changchun Yatai scored in stoppage time to keep their five game unblemished record clean, beating R&F 3-2 last weekend. Yatai will travel to Shandong Luneng for a match they need to win to climb the ranks. A goal from Shandong Luneng’s Graziano Pelle wasn’t enough as they went down to log leaders over the weekend. Luneng will play hosts to a confident Yatai, and will not want to let their weekend slip-up phase them. The home team have won eight from 16 matches, and have conceded the least amount of goals this season. Back Changchun Yatai for the win.
27/20 Shanghai SIPG | 24/10 | Guangzhou Evergrande 18/10 (13:35)
The battle of the top two log leaders, will see SIPG play hosts to leaders Evergrande. This encounter will see big names take to the stage, with the likes Hulk and co. Keep an eye out for Ricardo Goulart from the away side, who’s netted 12 from his 17 matches for his team. Both sides finished on a win this past weekend, but a victory for Shanghai SIPG will see them top the standings by two points. Back Shanghai for the win at home.
Sunday 23 July
7/20 Guangzhou R&F | 34/10 | Yanbian 15/2 (13:35)
Guangzhou R&F lost three on the trot when they were brushed aside by Yatai in stoppage time last weekend. R&F have won six from 17 matches, with their star striker Eran Zahavi netting 14 goals. Yanbian are suffering their worst run and have only won two in 17 matches, currently planted at the bottom of the log. Guangzhou R&F should cruise to victory.
37/20 Henan Jianye | 23/10 | Tianjin Quanjian 27/20 (13:35)
Henan Jianye’s weekend win over Liaoning means a climb to 12th place with one loss from their last five. Tianjin Quanjian are in the top three and are eight points away from second placed SIPG. Tianjin have won four of their last five and will go into this match full of confidence. Although playing away, back Tianjin to win with stars like Alexandre Pato in their camp.
9/10 Shanghai Shenhua | 5/2 | Beijing Guoan 11/4 (13:35)
Shenhua’s run of form was blemished by a 3-0 defeat to Quanjian. The home team will play host to sixth place Guoan. Shenhua hold a secret weapon in the name of Carlos Tevez, but he hasn’t seemed to find his scoring form. Gouan have won seven from 17 matches, but have scored just as many goals as they’ve conceded (23). Jonathan Soriano is on form and might get on the scoresheet for the visitors. Back the away team to win.
TREBLE @ 5/1
Guangzhou R&F Win 7/20
Hebei Win 27/20
Chongqing Lifan Win 17/20
Written by Lungelo Mdladla
