In what is an absolutely vital fixture with three games gone by, two struggling outfits in Shijiazhuang Ever Bright and Tianjin Teda go head-to-head in the Chinese Super League tomorrow.
The Group B fixture is scheduled to take place at the Kunshan Sports Centre Stadium, as both the winless teams know this could be their make-or-break match heading forward into the campaign.
Neither side have managed to pick up a win from their opening three encounters. While Shijiazhuang have been held to two draws, Tianjin have lost two and shared the spoils on one occasion.
In fact, only three teams across an over-powered Group B are with wins in hand, and they include Beijing Guoan, Shanghai SIPG and Wuhan Zall.
This is the first time these two teams will take on each other since 2016. A lot has changed in Chinese football since then, and Tianjin especially, will know the pressure is on Shijiazhuang to scalp a win.
Both sides have been guilty of some substandard defending, as while Shijiazhuang have conceded two goals in each of their first three matches, Tianjin are the joint-most generous unit in Group B having given away eight goals already.
Without further ado then, we bring all you need to know ahead of Shijiazhuang Ever Bright versus Tianjin Teda.
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright v Tianjin Teda: Head-to-head
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright wins: 1
Tianjin Teda wins: 1
Draws: 2
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright v Tianjin Teda: Form Guide
Last five matches (in all competitions including friendlies)
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright: L-D-L-W-D
Tianjin Teda: L-D-L-L-W
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright v Tianjin Teda: Team News
![Shijiazhuang Ever Bright boss Afshin Ghotbi is set to lead a fully-fit squad against Tianjin Teda](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/a194b-15970659091123.png 1920w)
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright
Afshin Ghotbi has no injury concerns ahead of this one, meaning his side are looking in good shape to come away with the three points. The Iranian American coach also has the likes of Chen Zitong and Romulo as viable options from the bench.
Injuries: None
Doubtful: None
Suspensions: None
![Tianjin Teda defender Lei Tenglong is sidelined with injury](https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=190 190w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=720 720w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=640 640w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=1045 1045w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=1200 1200w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=1460 1460w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg?w=1600 1600w, https://statico.sportskeeda.com/editor/2020/08/93130-15970663889984-800.jpg 1920w)
Tianjin Teda
Tianjin Teda, comparatively, are worse off owing to the number of injuries they have within their ranks.
Lei Tenglong will be a big miss for them, as he has been a vital cog in their season thus far at the back. Johnatahan Aparecido de Silva is another key player missing, whereas goalkeeper Du Jia is also doubtful. He, however, should be fit in time for this one.
Injuries: Johnatahan Aparecido de Silva, Lei Tenglong
Doubtful: Du Jia
Suspensions: None
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright v Tianjin Teda: Probable XI
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Puliang Shao; Zhiyun Zheng, Stoppila Sunzu, Xuan Cao, Chengjian Liao; Wang Peng I, Zitong Chen; Yifeng Yang, Muriqui, Matheus; Oscar Tati Maritu
Tianjian Teda predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Du Jia; Zhao Honglue, Qui Tianyi, Liu Yang, Bai Yuefeng; Zheng Kaimu, Guo Hao; Liu Ruofan, Frank Acheampong, Rong Hao; Xiao Zhi
Shijiazhuang Ever Bright v Tianjin Teda: Match Prediction
It should be a thrilling contest given how both these teams tend to switch off and leak goals. The result could be decided by which among them is the more prolific side.
Expect Shijiazhuang to finally scrape through and bag their first set of three points with an edgy win.
Predicted score: Shijiazhuang Ever Bright 2-1 Tianjin Teda