It's all to play for in the Chinese Super League FA Cup semi-final between Jiangsu Suning and Tianjin Teda on Saturday at the Suzhou City stadium.
The two teams battled to a 1-1 scoreline in the first leg, as Frank Acheampong's goal in the first half was canceled out when Yang Liu ushered the ball past his own net after the break.
Jiangsu Suning were a pale shadow of themselves in the first outing, perhaps due to the lack of match fitness since the conclusion of the Chinese Super League. They finished second in their group in the domestic league and went on to beat Guangzhou Evergrande in the final.
In fact, the club's last defeat came against Evergrande 18 matches ago, which illustrates how consistent and unbeatable they have been since August.
Meanwhile, Tianjin Teda are on a dream run after failing to record any wins in the CSL. The bottom-dwellers sent Changchun Yatai packing in the previous round of the FA Cup, hammering them 5-1. They held Jiangsu Suning to a draw in the previous game, dominating the match in parts.
Also read: Manchester United vs Manchester City prediction, preview, team news and more | Premier League 2020-21
Jiangsu Suning vs Tianjin Teda Head-to-head
History suggests these teams have a tight record against each other. Across the 23 fixtures between them, Tianjin Teda have won seven, while Jiangsu Suning have accumulated eight victories.
Jiangsu Suning form guide: D-W-W-W-D
Tianjin Teda form guide: D-W-W-L-D
Jiangsu Suning vs Tianjin Teda Team News
Jiangsu Suning
Jiangsu Suning have a number of players in the treatment room. Ji Xiang and Yang Boyu, who were both injured in the quarter-finals, are likely to miss out again.
Alex Teixeira's potential move to Shanghai SIPG could see him miss out as well, adding to the misery of Suning up front.
Injured: Yang Boyu, Ji Xiang
Doubtful: None
Suspended/unavailable: Alex Teixeira
Tianjin Teda
Tianjin Teda are without any fresh injury concerns, and there should not be too many changes to the side that put in a solid shift in the first leg. Skipper Frank Acheampong will hope to score for his side again.
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended/unavailable: None
Jiangsu Suning vs Tianjin Teda Probable XI
Jiangsu Suning predicted XI (5-4-1): Zhang Yan; Abduhamiti, Zhang Xiaobin, Li Ang, Zhou Yun, Zhang Cheng; Luo Jing, Tian Yinong, Wu Xi, Xie Pengfei, Huang Zichang
Tianjin Teda predicted XI (4-4-2): Teng Shangkun; Zhao Honglue, Song Yue, Felix Bastians, Jiang Shenglong; Rong Hao, Zheng Kaimu, Odil Ahmedov, Frank Archeampong, Tiquinho
Jiangsu Suning vs Tianjin Teda Prediction
Both teams are without a clean sheet in their last six matches, and we can expect goals in this fixture. Tianjin Teda are poised to set up on the counter with at least 10 bodies behind the ball, while Suning's firepower will be tested.
Jiangsu Suning should march to the finals, pipping their opponents and ending their merry run in the competition.
Predicted score: Jiangsu Suning 2-1 Tianjin Teda