Changchun Yatai vs Zhejian Professional

Wuyuan River Stadium forms the backdrop for a mid-table Chinese Super League clash between Changchun Yatai and Zhejian Professional.

Forced to play this match on neutral soil, Changchun Yatai can at least draw some confidence from a morale-boosting 3-1 victory away to Guangzhou City last time out. After arresting a run of four winless Chinese Super League fixtures (D3, L1), Chen Yang’s men hope to buck another trend. Since a narrow 1-0 win in 2015, they have gone winless in three consecutive home league H2Hs (D2, L1), failing to score twice. But Changchun’s underwhelming scoring record in 2022 doesn’t offer much hope. Except for a 4-1 thrashing of Guangzhou City earlier in June, they’ve netted under 1.5 goals in their three remaining home outings this calendar year.

In the meantime, Zhejian Professional seem to have found their feet after a troublesome start to the season. Having won none of their opening four Chinese Super League matches (D2, L2), they now head into this matchday off the back of consecutive league triumphs. The ‘Green Giants’ will be pleased to know both those victories came by a two-goal margin, suggesting they don’t lack conviction on a good day. But before jumping to a conclusion, they should consider the fact they’ve only won one out of four top-flight away games this term (D1, L2). Two of their last three league travels have seen 4+ goals and both teams scoring, underlining the possibility for a high-octane contest.