Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs. Nantong Zhiyun prediction, team news
On Friday, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger will strive to preserve their undefeated status in the Chinese Super League as they welcome Nantong Zhiyun to their home turf.
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Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs. Nantong Zhiyun
The visiting team, currently positioned in 10th place in the league standings, aims to halt their three-match unbeaten streak in the competition.
Tianjin stands alone as the sole team yet to suffer a defeat this season, having secured six victories and eight draws in their 14 matches played.
Since their goalless draw with Chengdu Rongcheng on June 8, they have gone on to achieve three consecutive triumphs across all competitions. It began with a 2-0 win against second-tier Wuxi Wugo in the Chinese FA Cup.
Their third-round victory was followed by a thrilling 3-2 league triumph against Qingdao Hainiu, which was then complemented by three additional points in their recent away clash with Shanghai Shenhua.
Despite falling behind in the 18th minute, Tianjin displayed great resilience, ultimately prevailing 2-1 against Shanghai Shenhua thanks to a Robert Beric goal and an own goal by Bao Yaxiong.
Heading into Friday's encounter, Yu Genwei's squad occupies the fourth position, trailing the top three by a single point and the league leaders, Shanghai Port, by seven points.
Meanwhile, for Nantong, this upcoming match signifies the midway point of their inaugural season in the Chinese Super League, as they find themselves entangled in a battle to avoid relegation.
Having secured two victories, four draws, and eight losses in their 14 league outings, the visiting team clings to a mere one-point advantage over the relegation zone.
In their most recent fixture against Meizhou Hakka, Nantong appeared destined for victory after Romario Balde netted a late goal in the 90th minute, giving his side a narrow 2-1 lead following Yin Congyao's opener. However, they were unable to preserve their advantage, conceding an agonizing equalizer deep into stoppage time, resulting in a shared outcome.
Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs. Nantong Zhiyun line up
Now, their focus shifts to Friday's clash, where they aim to secure their first-ever away triumph in the Chinese Super League, having accumulated only two points on the road thus far this season.
For the hosts, Fan Yang, who made an appearance in the win against Shanghai Shenhua, is expected to retain his spot in central defense alongside David Andujar.
Su Yuanjie, introduced at halftime during Sunday's match, may earn a starting opportunity against Nantong.
Upfront, Robert Beric will spearhead the attack for Tianjin, eager to bolster his tally of three league goals this season.
As for the visitors, Bressan is set to resume his central defensive partnership with Wei Lu, while Yeljan Shinar and Huan Liu are anticipated to operate as the full-backs.
Despite his goal-scoring cameo against Meizhou Hakka, Zheng might find himself back among the substitutes for this encounter.
Rubilio Castillo, who represented Honduras in the Gold Cup, could make a return to the Nantong side after his country's exit from the group stage.
