FA Cup Preview: Shandong Taishan with a Psychological Advantage after League Double over Chengdu Rongcheng – Can Chengdu Avenge Their Defeats?

At 19:35 on September 24, the FA Cup semi-final kicks off with Shandong Taishan hosting Chengdu Rongcheng at home. For Shandong Taishan, who have no hope of winning the league title, the FA Cup represents an excellent opportunity to vie for the championship.

As a traditional powerhouse in Chinese professional football, Shandong Taishan has not only won the league title five times but also lifted the FA Cup trophy eight times, ranking first among all teams. Shandong Taishan can be considered specialists in the FA Cup, having reached the final six consecutive times from 2018 to 2023, winning three and finishing as runners-up three times.

Last season, Shandong Taishan lost 0-1 to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua in the final, failing to achieve a fourth consecutive FA Cup title and handing the direct entry spot for the AFC Champions League group stage to Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, leaving themselves to start from the qualifying round.

This season has been fraught with difficulties for Shandong Taishan, plagued by injuries since the start of the season. After 26 rounds, they have only managed 10 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses, accumulating 38 points, placing them fifth in the Chinese Super League table, 31 points behind the leaders, Shanghai Port. With only four rounds remaining, Shandong Taishan’s hopes of winning the league title have faded.

Founded in 2018, Chengdu Rongcheng is a young team without any top-tier championships to its name. However, thanks to consistent investment, Chengdu Rongcheng has become one of the strong teams in the Chinese Super League. They finished fourth last season and currently sit third with 52 points after 26 rounds, trailing only the Shanghai duo.

However, both Shandong Taishan and Chengdu Rongcheng are now out of contention for the league title, making the FA Cup a more worthwhile pursuit. Additionally, the FA Cup champion gains direct entry into the next season’s AFC Champions League, making it even more attractive. Both teams are expected to give their all.

Since August, Shandong Taishan has played eight games, winning four, drawing one, and losing three, including a recent 0-0 draw against Wuhan Three Towns. Chengdu Rongcheng has played six games during the same period, winning three, drawing one, and losing two, including a 2-0 defeat away to Henan FC in their most recent match after being held to a 2-2 draw by Beijing Guoan despite leading by two goals.

Shandong Taishan’s recent home form has been impressive, with six wins, two draws, and two losses in their last ten home games at Jinan Olympic Sports Center, giving them a win rate of 60%. Chengdu Rongcheng’s away form has also been commendable, with six wins, two draws, and two losses in their last ten away games.

According to statistics, Shandong Taishan and Chengdu Rongcheng have faced each other six times, with Shandong Taishan winning three times, Chengdu Rongcheng twice, and one draw. This season, Shandong Taishan won 1-0 away, breaking their opponent’s unbeaten home record, and then secured a 3-0 victory at home, achieving a league double over Chengdu Rongcheng.

In summary, while both Shandong Taishan and Chengdu Rongcheng have room for improvement in their form, the former undoubtedly holds a psychological advantage.

>>”>For more predictions and analysis of this match, click >>>