Tianjin Jinmen Tiger Still Need to Fight Hard in Chinese Super League Makeup Match

(Source: Tianjin Daily)

Republished from: Tianjin Daily

Tianjin Jinmen Tiger will host Liaoning Ironman on Saturday evening in a rescheduled Chinese Super League Round 18 match. In addition to the relegation implications of the game itself, another highlight of the day is that before kickoff, TEDA Football Stadium will stage a large-scale puzzle display for the first time involving coordinated participation from the south, north and east stands. To ensure the presentation effect, relevant parties and fan organizations have already issued notices encouraging spectators to participate together.

Without interference from the typhoon, this Tianjin-Liaoning clash was originally scheduled to be played in July. At that time, Ironman's relegation situation was not yet urgent. Two months later, the two teams meet during the CSL break in this makeup match. The result will not only affect Jinmen Tiger's relegation prospects, but Ironman also face a situation where a defeat would allow Jinmen Tiger to draw level on points and push them into a relegation battle.

A record of one draw and four losses in their last five league matches is a major reason why Ironman have gradually moved toward the relegation zone late in the season despite not receiving any points deductions this year. Last weekend, around the same time that Jinmen Tiger defeated Zhejiang 2-1 at home, Ironman lost 0-5 away to Yunnan Yukun. In that match, the team was without midfield core and foreign player Yuto Koba due to a four-yellow-card suspension, although the return of their leading scorer, foreign player Mbenza, after a five-match suspension was a major positive. However, without Koba's midfield organization and connection, and with Mbenza still lacking form after returning, Ironman suffered a five-goal defeat, which also affected their confidence. When they return to Tianjin for another away match this weekend, Koba will be back in the squad and Mbenza will have passed his adjustment period. Combined with the pressure of the relegation situation, Ironman are expected to fight with maximum determination against Jinmen Tiger, who will also give everything.

The pressure of the situation means the teams must regain their energy and push forward, but after more than two months of a regular schedule with basically one match per week, both Jinmen Tiger at home and Ironman away have accumulated fatigue and even injuries. Considering that the teams will enter a break after this match, giving them time and space to adjust, both sides are making every effort this week to restore and mobilize their players' form. Last week, Jinmen Tiger head coach Yu Genwei said that foreign striker Chetine, who had missed three matches due to a knee injury, was optimistically expected to appear against Ironman. However, as of yesterday, Chetine was still training individually and had not joined full team sessions. In addition, several other Jinmen Tiger players are also dealing with injuries and can only partially participate in team training. Whether these players are ready to play or how long they can remain on the pitch will require close observation and confirmation closer to the match.

Another rescheduled Round 18 league match will also be played on Saturday night, and it is also a key relegation battle, with relegation-zone Wuhan Three Towns facing Henan, who are 12th in the standings.