Chinese Super League Preview: Meizhou Hakka Must Battle for Survival, Shandong Taishan Faces Injuries and Needs Caution

On the evening of June 14 at 19:35, the Chinese Super League resumes with Round 15 as Meizhou Hakka hosts Shandong Taishan.

Meizhou Hakka has had a disappointing run so far, securing only two wins, six draws, and five losses, amassing 12 points and currently sitting in 12th place. The team trails the leading group by over ten points and holds just a two-point advantage over the relegation zone. Their survival prospects this season look bleak, and a failure to secure points in this match could see them plummet into the danger zone.

In seven home games this season, Meizhou Hakka has not tasted victory, drawing four and losing three while scoring only four goals and conceding 10. Their weak offensive and defensive displays have contributed significantly to their poor results. The team’s lackluster performance has also dampened the spirits of home fans, making this fixture crucial for morale.

After a 1-0 victory against Wuhan Sanjiaozhen, Meizhou Hakka snapped a five-game winless streak, boosting their confidence slightly. However, facing the formidable Shandong Taishan, securing all three points will be a daunting task. Key foreign player Kossocić is absent due to his participation in the European Championship, exacerbating Meizhou’s attacking woes.

Shandong Taishan, with an 8-4-2 record, sits fifth on the table with 28 points, maintaining their ambition to win the title. However, they trail the current leaders, Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, by eight points, leaving no room for error against weaker opponents. Away from home, they have a 3-2-1 record, conceding fewer goals but failing to maximize their attacking potential. A victory against the struggling Meizhou Hakka is well within their reach.

Shandong Taishan has been in solid form, remaining unbeaten in the last eight rounds. Their convincing 3-0 win over the Asian Champions League-level Zhejiang team has further lifted their spirits. As the league enters its second half, Shandong aims to stage a comeback. Unfortunately, injuries to Feng Nan and Xie Wenning during the national team break cast a slight shadow over the team’s preparations.

Meizhou Hakka managed a surprise 2-1 victory over Shandong Taishan in their first encounter last season. However, Shandong responded forcefully, defeating Meizhou 6-0 and 6-1 in the subsequent FA Cup and league fixtures. This time around, Meizhou will strive for points to avoid relegation, while Shandong targets a full three points. Both teams are expected to give their all in this clash.

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