Jiangsu need to tighten up after a shocking start to the CSL

Shanghai SIPG v Yanbian Funde
Sky Sports 5, 11.35am Friday

It was a strange start to the new Chinese Super League season last week and those waiting for the second round of matches to begin with a bang may be sadly mistaken.

The eight away teams scored three goals between them, the campaign opened with a match played behind closed doors and the new rules forcing clubs to play one Chinese Under-23 player turned farcical when three of the clubs subbed their youngsters within 30 minutes.

Carlos Tevez is reportedly struggling with home sickness - some things never change - and one of the fancied outfits, Jiangsu, are bottom following a 4-0 loss at Shanghai Shunhua.

Jiangsu suffered a shocking start with Roger Martinez injured after 11 minutes, Ramires missed out entirely and Alex Teixeira was sent off so the pressure is on for the visit of Tianjin Teda.

Only three foreign players are permitted to play in matchday squads and Tianjin have decided to build the defensive foundations first with John Obi Mikel and Nemanja Gudelj seen as key men.

None of the foreign forwards such as Ideye Brown were selected for last week's 2-0 loss at Shandong Luneng and this could be a low-scoring game with chances at a premium.

Shanghai SIPG, with Oscar and Hulk in their ranks and Andre Villas-Boas as manager, are long odds-on to follow last week's 5-1 romp with victory over Yanbian.

Recommendation
One or both teams not to score in Jiangsu v Tianjin Teda
1pt Evs general

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