With only three games left in the Chinese Super League, the relegation fate of teams is still in limbo. Theoretically, the top four teams in the table are at risk of relegation, but that's just an assumption on paper.
However, the reality is quite different. Shenzhen's relegation is no longer in doubt, and Qingdao seems to have locked up the relegation spot. Dalian and Nantong Zhiyun's path to relegation is full of uncertainty, and a win or loss between them will determine the last relegation spot.
Dalian suffered a heavy blow recently when six players were called up by the national team, including He Yupeng, Wang Jinshuai, Chen Rong, Zhao Jianbo, Wang Yu and Laureus. Their departure has undoubtedly had an impact on the team's strength.
He Yupeng has been selected for the national team, while Wang Jinshuai, Chen Rong, Zhao Jianbo and Wang Yu have joined the national Olympic team, and Laureus has been called up to the Hong Kong, China team. The six players will miss Dalian's crucial showdown with Wuhan Sanzhen on an international day in mid-October.
Wang Jinshuai, Chen Rong, Zhao Jianbo and Wang Yu are unable to return due to the overall training regime of the National Olympic Team, and although they are not the core of the team, their absence will have an impact on the overall strength of the team.
Dalianren FC has been in financial trouble in recent seasons due to the withdrawal of Wanda Group, which has led to the departure of many foreign and local starters. Today, the team's overall strength is only in the lower reaches of the Chinese Super League, relying on the stellar performances of its veterans to stay afloat.
Dalian face a tough challenge in the next three rounds of the league. In their first match, they will host last year's Chinese Super League champions Wuhan Sanzhen. Despite the strength of the Sanzhen team, Dalian is not without a chance to win.
This season, Dalian's offensive end has been severely weak, scoring only 20 goals, the lowest among all 16 teams. Xie Hui is in desperate need of a striker to step up to the plate, and local scorer Lin Liangming is just the man for the job.
Unfortunately, Lin Liangming failed to make the national team due to injury and only returned to the team this week. Currently, he has not yet been able to practice with the team, and there are still nearly two weeks to go before the next round of the league. Hopefully, Lin Liangming will recover soon and appear in the team's starting lineup, so that Dalian can get three crucial points to help them stay in the league.
