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

Meanwhile, the visitors head into this contest on a four-match unbeaten streak, albeit with three draws to their name.

Match preview

Having earned promotion to the top flight last season, Chengdu will have survival on their minds, and it is so far so good on that front.

With three teams having yet to register a point, Chengdu's return of two points from four games is good enough for 14 position in the standings.

Although Seo Jung-won's started the campaign with two defeats, they have since posted draws with Cangzhou Mighty Lions and Tianjin TMT respectively.

Both of those stalemates have come away from home, although the second point was recorded after initially taking an early lead.

Despite sitting outside of the relegation zone for the time being, Seo will recognise that maximum points need to be recorded sooner rather than later to create some breathing space above the bottom three.

While Meizhou Hakka are another side who have recently won promotion to the Chinese Super League, they have made a considerably better start than Monday's hosts.

As well as getting three score draws on their record, their solitary success came away at Shenzhen, who have won their other three fixtures.

Frank Bernhardt will certainly not be getting carried away at this stage, but the foundations have been laid for the newcomers to enjoy a more comfortable year than initially anticipated.

Their six goals have been shared around the squad, the only player to contribute two strikes being Rodrigo Henrique.

Chengdu Qianbao Chinese Super League form:

Meizhou Hakka Chinese Super League form:

Team News

Having made just one substitution during the draw at Tianjin, Seo may opt against making any changes to his Chengdu XI.

Chow Tim and Gou Junchen have made their returns from their recent suspensions, but Abduhamit Abdugheni has one more game remaining in order to complete his ban.

Meizhou also have to deal with a suspension of their own with Yang Chaosheng receiving two yellow cards during the fixture with Beijing Guoan.

Liang Huo could be introduced as a like-for-like replacement, but Bernhardt has alternatives if he wishes to tinker with his starting lineup.

While leading marksman Henrique was only named on the substitutes' bench last time, the Brazilian could replace Yin Congyao in the final third.

Chengdu Qianbao possible starting lineup:

Geng; Liu, Windbichler, Hu; Gan Rui, Romulo, Gan Chao, Chow, Hu; Felipe, Kim

Meizhou Hakka possible starting lineup:

Hou; Liang, Liao, Dugalic, Yang Yihu; Kosovic, Shi; Yang Yilin, Henrique, Li; Vukanovic

We say: Chengdu Qianbao 1-1 Meizhou Hakka

With four points already the difference in the table, Meizhou will fancy their chances of continuing their solid start to the campaign. However, Chengdu appear to be heading in the right direction, leading us to predict a low-scoring draw on Monday.

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