Guangzhou R&F vs Tianjin Quanjian Predictions, Betting Tips and Match Previews

A new Chinese Super League season gets underway this weekend, and in an attempt to curb the influx of big money signings, the regulations regarding foreign players has been changed. Each club will now only be able to field three foreign players at one time and at least two domestic Under 23s have to be in the squad, including one that must start the game.

This does actually put an even greater emphasis on the big money signings though, with the clubs now searching for players who can completely change the game to be one of their three foreign players. Despite their newbie status, Tianjin Quanjian haven’t been left behind in this respect. They have splashed the cash on Axel Witsel and Alexandre Pato in January and also loaned Dynamo Kiev’s Junior Moraes.

Guangzhou R&F haven’t been sucked into this money pit though, opting instead for stability and keeping the likes of Eran Zahavi, Renatinho, and Jang Hyun-Soo and only bringing in holding midfielder Junior Urso.

This did them some good last season as they finished 6th in the Chinese Super League. However, many believe they are now being left behind as the bigger clubs shell out record fees for some of the prime players from Europe.

Tianjin Quanjian are entering the top flight for the first time this season, but not many expect them to be relegation candidates for it. Along with the signings of players such as Witsel and Pato they also have Fabio Cannavarro at the helm.

One thing that makes this league an exciting watch is the huge focus on employing attacking talent. The biggest names in the world are always the attack minded players, and as well as providing huge marketing appeal, the signing of these players also add an imbalance to the league. Most teams’ best players are attackers, with plenty of weakness in attack.

This showed last season with both of these teams. Six of Guangzhou R&F’s last nine home games of the season saw at least three goals, as did nine of Tianjin Quanjian’s last ten on the road. This makes odds of 17/20 for Over 2.5 Goals look a good value prospect, so I’m backing that along with a 2-2 correct score predictions at 12/1.