Tianjin Jinmen Tiger See Relegation Hope as Chengdu Rongcheng Lose Key Forwards; Title Race Could Extend to Round 28

Unexpectedly, Henan FC's efforts to stop Chengdu Rongcheng's title push have made Tianjin Jinmen Tiger the biggest beneficiary. In the Chinese Super League's 26th round, Henan FC drew 0-0 with Chengdu Rongcheng, with seven away-team players receiving yellow cards one after another. After the match, Zhu Yi from Transfermarkt China announced that Chengdu Rongcheng's key attacking players Felipe, Wei Shihao and Baihelamu would all face suspensions after accumulating four yellow cards. In the following 27th round, the team will be without these three important forwards, leaving Chengdu Rongcheng fans disappointed and potentially delaying their title hopes until the 28th round.

According to 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 had planned to clinch the championship in the 26th round, but Henan FC's disciplined defense extended the suspense by a month. However, with Wei Shihao and others suspended in the 27th round, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger may take the opportunity to bounce back and could win against a team fighting desperately for survival. As a result, Chengdu Rongcheng's title path could extend to their away match against Shanghai Port on October 18.

As the Chinese Super League champions for the past three seasons, Shanghai Port clearly will not easily allow Chengdu Rongcheng to celebrate the title at their home stadium. Therefore, they will certainly give their all to defend their home honor. At present, Shanghai Port have gradually regained form, and the possibility of Chengdu Rongcheng easily taking all three points is very small. In addition, Chengdu Rongcheng's next two matches are also full of challenges. In the 29th round, they will face Dalian Yingbo, who are competing for second place, which is clearly a tough battle. In the final round, they will face a strong Shandong Taishan side. If Chengdu Rongcheng can earn at least one point from these two matches, it would be fortunate, but their title journey is undoubtedly difficult and full of twists.

Qingdao Hainiu have almost secured relegation, while the final relegation spot will be contested among Wuhan Three Towns, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger and Liaoning Ironman. Chengdu Rongcheng's three-player suspension undoubtedly provides Tianjin Jinmen Tiger with an opportunity, and they are expected to defeat their opponents away from home in the 27th round. Considering their remaining five Chinese Super League matches, Tianjin Jinmen Tiger are likely to collect eight points, bringing their total to 30 points.

By comparison, Wuhan Three Towns do not have the same fortune as Chengdu Rongcheng. They are expected to earn only six points from their remaining six matches, bringing their total to 26 points. Meanwhile, Liaoning Ironman have been in worrying form, losing four of their last five matches, including a 0-5 defeat to Yunnan Yukun in the 25th round, leaving their situation precarious. At present, head coach Xu Zhengyuan appears unable to change the situation, so Liaoning Ironman must give their all in their next five matches. A predicted five-point haul could still allow them to reach 30 points.

In summary, Wuhan Three Towns and Qingdao Hainiu are highly likely to be relegated at the end of the season. If Tianjin Jinmen Tiger successfully defeat Chengdu Rongcheng away from home in the 27th round, they will truly have Henan FC's determined efforts to thank. Although Chengdu Rongcheng's chances of winning the title are as high as 99%, the coaching staff's performance will also be crucial. It is hoped that the players can remain calm to avoid mistakes in judgment by head coach John at key moments.