Lanzhou Longyuan Athletic
- Three of Lanzhou's last five games have been clean-sheet, but they have only scored four goals during the same period.
- Lanzhou, who are currently languishing in the bottom half of China League Two with 12 points from 11 games, have lost just once in their last five matches in all competitions, pulling off a gritty 2-1 win over fellow second-tier side Meizhou Hakka in the previous round of the FA Cup.
- Huang Shibo's team typically play a disciplined 4-2-3-1, focusing on defensive organization and then transitioning quickly on the break when they win possession.
Tianjin Jinmen Tigers
- Tianjin Jinmen have won just once in their last five CSL matches, failing to keep a clean sheet in four of those games.
- Yu Genwei's visitors have had a season to forget so far, currently at the bottom of the Chinese Super League after a 10-point deduction.
- Tianjin tend to play a three at the back, but they are often five at the back with their two wing-backs pushed forward.
- That system gives them plenty of flexibility to press high up the field when they are in possession, or to block off and soak up pressure when they are not.
Head-to-Head
With no prior head-to-head record between the clubs at senior level, there is little to go on.
Key Players
Kerui Chen and Zhu Haiwei provide the experience and creativity in the middle third that Lanzhou need to ensure their team remain compact and avoid getting caught out on the counter attack, but their style could be frustrating for Tianjin.
Betting Insights
- The odds for Both Teams to Score - Yes is 2.0 and that looks good here, even though Tianjin will enter this match as favorites at 1.78.
- They have conceded in four of their last five league matches.
- While Lanzhou are likely to play deep and look to frustrate their opponents, their league record this season has been low-scoring, with three of their last five ending scoreless.
Prediction
Therefore, we're sticking with the 1.65 Total Score Under 2.5 for this clash, which is likely to be a cagey cup clash that ultimately goes the way of the top-flight side.
