Shenzhen vs Changchun Yatai

Shenzhen and Changchun Yatai are set to trade tackles at Tianhe Stadium in their second Chinese Super League H2H in the space of a fortnight. A 1-1 draw at the Yuexiushan Stadium saw the spoils shared in mid-December.

Shenzhen have blown hot and cold since the Super League returned to action in December, going winless in four of their five top-flight matches this month (W1, D2, L2). There’s a feeling that Shenzhen’s ongoing league struggle has emanated from a fragile backline that has yet to keep a clean sheet in the Super League in December, conceding 2+ goals in four of their five league outings. Particularly vulnerable before half-time, the ‘Youth Army’ have registered a clear majority (66%) of their Super League home goals conceded so far in the first half of play (6/9). By contrast, Jose Carlos Granero’s men often find their feet in the second half, as witnessed by the fact that ten (83%) of their 12 top-flight goals scored at home this season have come beyond HT.

Meanwhile, Changchun Yatai came from behind to defeat Guangzhou City 2-1 at home last time out, putting an end to their frustrating three-match winless Super League streak (D1, L2). Sat in fourth, just three points adrift of the coveted third place, the visitors can ill-afford a slip-up here if they are to qualify for the AFC Champions League next season. But posting a victory in Shenzhen would require Changchun to overcome their inconsistency on hostile turf, having alternated between winning and losing across their last four Super League travels (W2, L2), with three of those games won/lost yielding an identical 2-1 scoreline. Scoring first would certainly optimize their winning prospects. But even if they concede the opener, Chen Yang’s side should have enough character to bounce back as they’ve won more Super League matches (3) from losing positions than any other side this term.