Autumn breeze, mid-September, the National Olympic Games and the national football team's competition came to an end, while the fire of the Chinese Super League once again.
The performance of the national soccer team always seems to baffle people, even against an opponent like Malaysia they failed to win, and the defeat against Syria seems to be expected. However, the FIFA ranking has unexpectedly improved.
The Olympics were even more dramatic, failing to beat the UAE, narrowly beating India, and even failing to advance from Iran.
As the 2023 Chinese Super League season winds down, defending champions Wuhan Sanzhen and runners-up Shandong Taishan may have very different feelings compared to last year.
Wuhan Sanzhen takes on Cangzhou Lions in a marquee match of the 25th round of the Chinese Super League (CSL).
Nature of Match: Chinese Super League 25th Round
Match time: September 15, 19:35
Defending champions Wuhan Three Town suffered early season woes not because of a lack of strength but because the parent company decided not to commit to professional soccer last year, resulting in a loss of financial backing for the team. Investors have announced the termination of their investments since September 1, the so-called stock reform has gone nowhere, and the biggest change has been the departure of central midfielder Stancho.
The Cangzhou Lions are currently in the middle of the league.
On the table, Wuhan Three Town ranked sixth with 39 points from 24 matches, 10 wins, 9 draws and 5 losses, three points away from third-place Shanghai Shenhua. Although the gap seems to be small, whether they can retain the qualification for the AFC Champions League is still in doubt. Cangzhou Lions 24 wins, 6 draws and 10 losses, accumulating 30 points, ranked tenth, neither hope to compete for the qualification of the AFC Champions League, but also do not need to worry about relegation.
Wuhan Sanzhen has won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of its last 10 matches.
Cangzhou Lions have won 4, drawn 2 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches.
The two teams have met three times in history, Wuhan Sanzhen is at a disadvantage with 1 win and 2 losses.
Wuhan Sanzhen, who are playing at home, have a better overall strength and are more likely to win this game.
Shandong Taishan takes on Qingdao Hainiu in another Chinese Super League (CSL) 25th round match.
Nature of Match: Chinese Super League 25th Round
Match time: September 15, 19:35
After Cui Kangxi took over Shandong Taishan, the team's record improved significantly, but given the team's poor performance before taking over, it makes sense that they were unable to win the title.
Qingdao Hainiu, as a promoted team, was a bit underwater in the early part of the season, but there is still hope that they will eventually gain a foothold in the Chinese Super League.
Shandong Taishan is currently ranked second in the league with 44 points from 24 matches, 12 wins, 8 draws and 4 losses, 9 points away from Shanghai Port and 3 points more than Beijing Guoan. It is unlikely to win the title, but there is still hope to maintain the runner-up position of last season. Qingdao Hainiu 24 games 6 wins, 5 draws and 13 losses, accumulating 23 points, ranked 13th, 5 points more than the relegation zone Dalian people, the risk of relegation still exists.
Shandong Taishan won 6, drew 2 and lost 2 of their last 10 matches.
Qingdao Manatees have won 5, drawn 1 and lost 4 of their last 10 matches.
The last 10 meetings between the two teams, Shandong Taishan 6 wins, 2 draws and 2 losses.
This game, as the traditional "Qilu derby", although the strength of Qingdao Manatee is limited, but the home game of Shandong Taishan more likely to win.
