The race for the Chinese Super League title is hotting up, as we head into the final stretch of the league season. At this moment in time, Guangzhou Evergrande are on top and favourites to claim the title.
However, second-place Beijing Guoan will not have given up hope of catching the leaders. The team from the Chinese capital will hope to keep their title chances alive on Friday afternoon with an away win over struggling Shenzhen.
Beijing have fallen behind their title rivals because of an inconsistent recent run of league form. They were in good form until the end of July and early August, when they suffered three defeats in four matches, including a potentially fatal 3-1 home loss against Guangzhou Evergrande.
Beijing at least got back to winning ways last time out with a 2-0 away win at Dalian Yifang. However, despite the win, they are still five points behind leaders Guangzhou Evergrande with just seven league games remaining.
One of the biggest factors hampering Beijing is their away record, as they have lost four of their last six matches on their travels in the Chinese top-flight.
Beijing Guoan may be gunning for the Chinese Super League title, but Shenzhen are just hoping to preserve their status in the top-flight this season.
The home side currently occupies the second relegation spot in the table. However, they are only in the drop zone on goal difference, so there is still plenty to play for in the last seven league games.
In fact, there has been a hint of an improvement in form in recent games, as they have taken four points from their last two league games against Beijing Renhe and Guangzhou R&F. The 4-0 win in their last league game will give the home side hope of mounting a positive run.
However, unfortunately for Shenzhen, Forebet predicts that the visitors will record a victory in a high-scoring clash.