Dalian Pro vs Qingdao FC

Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre as Dalian Pro and Qingdao FC go head-to-head in a bottom-of-the-table Chinese Super League clash.

Dalian Pro racked up back-to-back 1-0 victories upon the Super League return in December, but something has gone wrong since, with the hosts losing four of their subsequent five league games (W1), including the last three in a row. Scoring first would optimize their chances of coming back to winning ways, especially considering that eight of their last ten competitive fixtures have seen one or both sides fail to get on the scoresheet. With fans banned from the stadiums due to Covid-19 restrictions, Dalian cannot rely on home support as they hope to improve a disastrous Super League record at home this season (W2, D1, L7). Indeed, alongside their visitors Qingdao, the ‘Blue Hawks’ are one of just two Super League sides yet to smash a 10-goal barrier at home this term, having scored just seven.

In the meantime, Qingdao head into proceedings relieved of the pressure, as their ongoing four-game winless Super League streak (D1, L3) resulted in early relegation. Yet, the visitors have enjoyed a slight upturn in away form ahead of this trip, going from seven consecutive Super League defeats on the road to back-to-back league travels without losing (W1, D1). The away goals have been at a premium for Qingdao this season, with Yang Weijian’s side netting a league joint-low five Super League goals on hostile turf so far. Particularly ponderous before half-time, they’ve scored just one first-half goal in ten Super League road trips this term. By contrast, Qingdao have found the back of the net in each of their last five competitive meetings with Dalian.