Preview: Chengdu Qianbao vs. Shenzhen - prediction, team news, lineups

Match preview

Chengdu Qianbao were involved in a share of the spoils for the third game on the bounce last Monday when they played out a goalless draw with Meizhou Hakka.

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They are now one of just three sides yet to taste victory in the new Chinese Super League season, picking up three draws and losing two of their five games so far.

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This poor start to the season has been owing to their toothless display at the attacking end of the pitch, where they have scored just three goals — with two coming in the 3-2 loss to Beijing Guoan on June 8.

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Seo Jung-won's side, who gained promotion to the top flight last season, are currently 15th in the league standings, level on points with Guangzhou FC just inside the drop zone.

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Shenzhen, on the other hand, were condemned to a humbling 4-1 defeat at the hands of Beijing Guoan when the sides met at the Wuhua Hengpi Football Town last time out.

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In a one-sided affair, goals from Dabao Yu, Ziming Wang and a brace from Yuning Zhang saw the Imperial Guards cruise to their third win of the season.

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Shenzhen have now suffered defeat in two of their last three outings, losing to Meizhou Hakka and Beijing Guoan with a 1-0 victory over Cangzhou Mighty Lions sandwich between.

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The Youth Army have now won three and lost two of their five games so far to collect nine points and sit seventh in the league standings, level on points with Changchun Yatai and Wuhan.

Chengdu Qianbao Chinese Super League form:

Chengdu Qianbao form (all competitions):

Shenzhen Chinese Super League form:

Team News

Chengdu Qianbao will take to the pitch without the services of Guanghui Han, who is currently recuperating from an arm injury.

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Twenty-seven-year-old midfielder Hu Mingtian is also a doubt for this weekend's encounter after coming off with a 31st-minute injury against Meizhou Hakka last time out.

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Should he fail to shake off his injury, Brazilian international Romulo could come in for his fourth start of the season, teaming up with Tim Chow at the centre of the park.

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Frank Acheampong's two goals saw Shenzhen cruise to all three points in the reverse fixture and we expect the Ghanian forward to spearhead the attack once again.

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Acheampong, who is currently second in the league's goalscoring chart, should be joined in the final third by veteran forward Lin Goa and 22-year-old Huang Ruifeng.

Chengdu Qianbao possible starting lineup:

Geng; Liu, Windbichler, R Hu; R Gan, M Hu, Chao, Chow, H Hu; Baixu, Min-woo

Shenzhen possible starting lineup:

Z Lu; H Xu, Shinar, Chai-Min, Yuan; Zhipeng, L Yue, Yongpo, Yuanyi, Lin; Acheampong

We say: Chengdu Qianbao 1-1 Shenzhen

Chengdu Qianbao have stumbled into the new season, failing to win any of their opening five games. While they will be looking to exact revenge on Shenzhen, we predict the visitors will do just enough to force a share of the spoils.

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