At 7:35pm on May 23rd, the 9th round of the Chinese Super League resumed with Beijing Guoan hosting Cangzhou Lions. Despite the obvious contrast in strength between the two teams, their recent form has been very similar. Although Guoan has a luxury lineup, but due to frequent injuries, failed to play the best level, the first eight rounds of 2 wins, 5 draws and 1 loss, currently ranked seventh in the Chinese Super League; Cangzhou Lions with a 1 win, 4 draws and 3 losses, temporarily ranked thirteenth.
This season, Guoan's biggest problem is the lack of power in the front line. Local scorer Zhang Yuning has been injured several times, resulting in no one on the team being able to play on their own. Adeben Lo, Prince Ming, Yang Liyu, Fang Hao and other players are not bad, but lack the leading role and scoring ability of Zhang Yuning. Zhang Yuning's absence makes Guoan's overall lineup unbalanced. Coach Stanley Menzo is also responsible for this problem. At 59 years old, his ability is limited, and it is difficult for him to reasonably deploy the team in the front, center, and back three lines.
In this round against Cangzhou Lions, Guoan's injury situation further deteriorated. Zhang Yuning, Wang Gang, De Sousa, Li Ke four main players are absent due to injury. Beijing media "Daily Sports" revealed that four people are still recovering, De Souza missed the pre-match training. It is worth mentioning that Feng Boxuan and Park Cheng are healthy and are expected to play. With the spread of injuries, Guoan has been forced to promote young players. Yan Yu, the U21 League MVP, is expected to play as a defender in the pre-match training and is expected to be on the playing roster. Although Guoan's squad is strong, there is no one to lead the front line, and there is a dire need for an efficient scorer like Zhang Yuning.
Guoan promoted young defenders because the team's backline is weak. Wang Gang was injured, leaving only five regular defenders, Nga Deu, Li Lei, Bo Yang, Feng Bo Xuan and Zhang Chendong. Yu Dabao had to make a cameo as a striker with a weak forward line. Head coach Stanley Menzo said that the match against Cangzhou Lions will be very tough, with the opponent's tight defense system and quick counter-attack points on the offensive end. However, considering that they are playing at home, the team will adjust their tactics and try to control the ball, create chances and focus on counter-attacks.
Guoan's starting lineup against Cangzhou Lions will be fine-tuned. Four foreigners in Adebenelo, Ademi, Kang Xiangyu and Ngadeu will start. Prince Ming will be the single arrow. The midfield will be partnered by Yang Liyu, Ademi, Zhang Xunzhe, Adebenelo and Jiang Xiangyou. The backline will consist of Li Lei, Bo Yang, Ngadeu and Zhang Chengdong, and goalkeeper Han Jiaqi. Yan Yu, Feng Boxuan, Fang Hao, Gao Tianyi, Nai Bijiang-Mohuemaiti and Yu Dabao are expected to play as substitutes. From the strength of the lineup, Guoan still has the advantage. If the front line can seize the opportunity, Guoan is expected to take all three points.
