Henan FC vs Beijing Guoan FC Prediction: Can We Expect Goals In This Encounter?

Beijing Guoan FC makes the trip to Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium to lock horns with Henan FC for the 5th round of the Super League.

Will the Imperial Guards record their first win of the season, or is this another worst-case scenario of extending their winless run to five games?

Let's have a look at the latest Chinese Super League predictions between Henan FC vs Beijing Guoan FC, probable lineups, match facts, and up-to-date betting odds for you to consider!

Going into this game, the Red Devils couldn't live up to expectations of being slight favorites in their recent outing against Shenzhen FC, as they were held to a 1:1 draw to share the spoils, mainly owing to the numerical disadvantage incurred in the 79th minute as Tomás Pina was sent packing, but it goes without saying they did their best to avert a catastrophic result that could've seen them drop all three points.

Prior to that, their match against Nantong Zhiyun FC on the road was a bit of a challenge as their opponent proved to be more competitive than they had expected as they succumbed to a 1:0 defeat, and given that none of their five shots at goal didn't find the target, it was confirmation of a poor performance on their part.

Since the start of the season, life hasn't been easy for Sergio Díaz's men, who are without a win in their last four matches, recording three draws and a loss, and it goes without saying that they've been engulfed in inconsistency.

They presently occupy 12th place with 3 points, level on points with Beijing Guoan FC in 11th, and are three points adrift of a 7th place finish.

Formation: 5-4-1

W. Guoming; K. Chen, S. Yang, T. Sunjic, X. Luo, D. Mawlanyaz; H. Zichang, W. Shangyuan, T. Pina, A. Mierzejewski; F. Boyuan 

The Imperial Guards, on the other hand, managed to ward off Shandong Taishan's threatening attacks in their recent match at home, and thanks to their in-form goalie Han Jiaqi, who made six important saves, they were able to salvage a point in a scoreless draw.

Prior to that, they displayed a below-par performance on the road against Qingdao Hainiu FC, as they failed to live up to the billing of favorites as they succumbed to a convincing 3:1 defeat while failing to utilize their 77% ball possession to their advantage to record a more resounding result.

They too have not won any of their last four games, as they have recorded three draws and a loss. That kind of performance has typified nothing other than inconsistency, and hopefully they'll fancy their chances of recording their first win of the season in this clash.

They presently occupy 13th place with three points level on points with Henan FC in 12th, while they are only a point ahead of the relegation zone.

Formation: 4-4-2

H. Jiaqi; G. Wang, M. Ngadeu, Y. Bai, L. Lei; A. Ademi, G. Tianyi, Josef, Z. Xizhe; Kang Sang-woo, Y. Liyu 

• Henan FC have won three consecutive home games when playing against Beijing Guoan FC.
• Beijing Guoan FC have not won any of their last four matches in the Super League.
• Henan FC averages 1.2 goals per game when playing at home, and Beijing Guoan FC averages 1.4 goals per game when playing away.

In the last 22 meetings, Henan FC have won 5 times, Beijing Guoan FC have won 10 times and there have been 7 draws with the goal difference being 29-21 in favour of Beijing Guoan FC.

Beijing Guoan FC have not been able to establish themselves as formidable foes this season as they still search for their first win that could possibly boost their confidence into recording more appealing results in their matches as they have failed to live up to expectations, which could further lead to concerns of worry if no improvement in their performance isn't implemented soon enough.

Henan FC are in a similar situation as their opponent in this clash as they have yet to live up to expectations having failed to win any of their last four matches, recording three draws and a loss. They too will fancy their chances to get their first win of the season as they lean on the hope that they have the backing of their fans at home, which will prove decisive in what kind of performance they'll bring to the table in this clash.

Henan FC have won three consecutive home games against Beijing Guoan FC; however, replicating the same outcome here will prove challenging given how competitive Stanley Menzo's men have turned out to be in their matches despite recording unfavorable results.

Their last six meetings have seen the total go over 2.5 in four of those matches, and such a trend is to be expected here as it'll be unrealistic to expect both sides that have seen 15 goals scored between them to play out a low-scoring encounter.

• Goals - Over 2.5 for 2.15
• Both Teams To Score - Yes for 1.94
• W2 for 1.77