Friday, March 27, 2009

Matchday 2 League Preview

The first edition of picks sure to go wrong starts now:

3.28  15:00     Dalian Shide - Henan Jianye 
Henan opened strong, while Dalian will want to make up for their tough loss when they open at home, however, they don't seem to have the tools, a 1-1 fight between the squads is what I predict.

3.28  15:10     Shandong Luneng - Shaanxi Zhongxin 
Shandong remains at home to take on Shaanxi in what could be the best match of the day.  Can Shandong make up for the loss of Zhou Haibin in the off-season?  Who is going to step up for them?  Can Shaanxi make the step to the next level?  This game could help answer some of those questions.  Prediction: Shandong 2 - 1 Shaanxi

3.28  15:30     Chengdu Blades - Shanghai Shenhua
Chengdu welcomes Shanghai to town as they open up their season at home, I predict lots of talk about how Chengdu is percervering after the earthquake and the hated Shanghai cruising to a victory.  Prediction: Chengdu 0 - 2 Shanghai

3.28  15:30     Chongqing Lifan - Qingdao Zhongneng
After what I saw of Chongqing in Beijing, they do have a dangerous side to them, mainly through their big man up top Guinee.  Qingdao is a midtable squad that will meet their match in this one.  Prediction: Chongqing 1-1 Qingdao

3.28 15:30     Jiangsu Sainty - Changchun Yatai
Changchun opened up disappointingly while Jiangsu lost in a late shocker.  It will be interesting to see if newly promoted Jiangsu will continue punching above their weight in their home opener.  Prediction: Jiangsu 1 - 0 Changchun

3.28  15:30     Shenzhen - Guangzhou Baiyunshan
It's derby day in Shenzhen as these two Guangdong squads do battle.  These are two of the league's younger teams featuring a lot of players that are sure to have gone up against each other a lot in local Guangdong youth matches and so its going to be interesting.  Shenzhen was impressive in their first game and I think they'll continue their tactics and wear down Guangzhou to come away with the win.  Prediction: Shenzhen 2 - 1 Guangzhou

3.28  19:30     Hangzhou Greentown - Tianjin Teda
The night's only match will be an interesting test for Hangzhou, as they'll be facing one of the league's premier squads.  Tianjin will be facing its first road challenge, but it shouldn't have a great effect on them.  Prediction:  Hangzhou 1 - 3 Tianjin

3.29  15:30     Changsha Jinde - Beijing Guoan
The only Sunday start, allowing Guoan to feature on national tv as they head to Hunan.  Changsha doesn't have the guns and Guoan have shown themselves to be strong in these early days.  Because I don't want to tempt fate and sound overconfident, I'm going to tone down my choice.  Prediction: Changsha 0 - 2 Beijing

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