Relegation Hopes? Tianjin Jinmen Tiger Unexpectedly Benefit as Chengdu Rongcheng’s Three Forwards Are Suspended, Title Win May Be Delayed Until Round 28

Unexpectedly, Henan’s efforts to stop Chengdu Rongcheng from securing the title four rounds early eventually benefited Tianjin Jinmen Tiger. In the 26th round of the Chinese Super League, Henan drew Chengdu Rongcheng 0-0, with the visitors receiving a total of seven accumulated yellow cards during the match. After the game, well-known media figure Zhu Yi posted that Chengdu Rongcheng attacking key players Felipe, Wei Shihao and Baihelamu will face suspensions after accumulating four yellow cards. Under these circumstances, the three main forwards will be unavailable in Round 27, leaving Chengdu Rongcheng fans disappointed and making a title win likely to be delayed until Round 28.

Based on the current standings, Chengdu Rongcheng only need one more point from their remaining four matches to secure this season’s Chinese Super League title. They originally planned to seal the championship in Round 26, but Henan’s determined performance undoubtedly delayed the process. However, with their forwards suspended before Round 27, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger will have a chance to take advantage. If they can defeat an opponent fighting hard to avoid relegation, Chengdu Rongcheng’s title path will become more difficult, and the championship may have to wait until their away match against Shanghai Port on October 18.

As a previous Chinese Super League champion and defending champion from recent seasons, Shanghai Port will certainly not easily allow Chengdu Rongcheng to celebrate the title at their home stadium, so they will fight strongly as well. It is worth noting that Shanghai Port’s form has gradually improved, making this crucial three points difficult to predict. In addition, Chengdu Rongcheng face tough challenges in their final two rounds: in Round 29 they will face strong rival Dalian Yingbo, who are competing for second place, and in the final round they will travel away to face Shandong Taishan. Both matches are expected to be severe tests. Although theoretically they should be able to earn at least one point from these two games, Chengdu Rongcheng’s title run is full of twists and uncertainty.

Qingdao Hainiu have almost secured a relegation place, while the other relegation spots will be decided among Wuhan Three Towns, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Liaoning Tieren. Chengdu Rongcheng’s three forwards being suspended has clearly provided Tianjin Jinmen Tiger with a rare opportunity, and they may produce a strong result away from home in Round 27. It is predicted that Tianjin Jinmen Tiger can easily collect eight points in their next five Chinese Super League matches, taking their total to 30 points.

Looking at Wuhan Three Towns, they have not been as fortunate as Chengdu Rongcheng, and are expected to gain only six points from their remaining six matches, leaving them with a total of just 26 points. Liaoning Tieren’s recent situation is also worrying, as they have lost four of their last five matches and suffered a heavy 0-5 defeat to Yunnan Yukun in Round 25. These signs show the team’s difficulties, and head coach Choi Kang-hee appears to have few solutions. In summary, Liaoning Tieren must push hard in their final five matches, otherwise they are likely to become a relegated team. They are also predicted to earn only five points, reaching a total of 30 points.

Therefore, it is highly possible that Wuhan Three Towns and Qingdao Hainiu will both be relegated at the end of the season. If Tianjin Jinmen Tiger overturn Chengdu Rongcheng in Round 27, they will have Henan to thank for their efforts. In reality, although Chengdu Rongcheng’s title-winning probability is as high as 99%, their only weakness lies in the coaching staff’s ability to respond. If the team’s situation changes, head coach John may fall into confusion.