Preview: Tianjin Jinmen Tiger vs. Nantong Zhiyun - prediction, team news, lineups

Tianjin Jinmen Tiger will attempt to maintain their unbeaten record in the Chinese Super League when they play host to Nantong Zhiyun on Friday.

The visitors, who are languishing in 10th place in the table, will be hoping to end a three-game winless league run.

Match preview

Tianjin are the only team yet to lose in the Chinese Super League this season, having won six and drawn eight of their 14 matches.

Since playing out a goalless draw with Chengdu Rongcheng on June 8, they have gone on to record three consecutive victories in all competitions, beginning with a 2-0 win over second-tier Wuxi Wugo in the Chinese FA Cup.

They followed their third-round victory with a 3-2 league win against Qingdao Hainiu, before adding three more points to their total in Sunday's away meeting with Shanghai Shenhua.

After falling behind in the 18th minute, Tianjin demonstrated their character to beat Shanghai Shenhua 2-1 thanks to a Robert Beric effort and a Bao Yaxiong own goal.

Yu Genwei's side head into Friday's contest in fourth position, one point adrift from the top three and seven points away from league leaders Shanghai Port.

With the upcoming fixture representing the halfway stage of Nantong's first-ever Chinese Super League season, the visitors find themselves embroiled in a relegation battle.

Having won two, drawn four and lost eight of their 14 league matches, Friday's visitors are just one point clear of the relegation zone.

Nantong looked set to win their most recent fixture against Meizhou Hakka when Romario Balde gave his side a narrow 2-1 lead in the 90th minute after Zheng Haoqian had cancelled out Yin Congyao's opener.

As it proved, Nantong were unable to hold firm, conceding a dramatic equaliser in the ninth minute of stoppage time to ensure that the spoils were shared.

They will now turn their attention to Friday's encounter, where they will be looking to claim their first-ever away victory in the Chinese Super League, having collected just two points on the road this season.

Team News

After being brought into the Tianjin side for the win over Shanghai Shenhua, Fan Yang is expected to retain his place in central defence alongside David Andujar.

Su Yuanjie was introduced at half time of Sunday's encounter, and he could be given the opportunity to start against Nantong.

Beric will continue to lead the line for the hosts, and the 32-year-old will be looking to add to the three league goals that he has scored this season.

As for the visitors, Bressan will resume his central defensive partnership with Wei Lu, while Yeljan Shinar and Huan Liu are expected to operate as the two full-backs.

Despite coming off the bench to score against Meizhou Hakka, Zheng may have to settle for a place among the substitutes once again.

Rubilio Castillo has been representing Honduras at the Gold Cup, but following his country's group-stage exit, the striker could return to the Nantong lineup on Friday.

Tianjin Jinmen Tiger possible starting lineup:

Xu; Ming, Yang, Andujar, Chang; Rosa, Wang, Tian, Merida, Ba; Beric

Nantong Zhiyun possible starting lineup:

Shi; Shinar, Bressan, W.Lu, H.Lu; Jiang, Cao, Morelatto, Yang, Balde; Castillo

We say: Tianjin Jinmen Tiger 2-1 Nantong Zhiyun

Tianjin will be determined to maintain their unbeaten record in the top flight, and we think that they will claim a narrow victory against a Nantong side that have lost their last four away league matches.

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