Guangzhou FC vs Port

Guangzhou FC and Port are set to trade tackles at the Chang Arena in their farewell AFC Champions League fixture.

It’s been a disastrous Champions League group stage campaign for Guangzhou as they head into proceedings on the back of five Group J defeats, all of which saw them draw a blank. With nothing but pride to play for here, the Chinese giants are seeking revenge for an embarrassing 3-0 loss in the reverse fixture. It could be a tall order, though, as Guangzhou’s recent form wobble that has witnessed them pick up just two wins in their last ten outings in all competitions (D2, L6). A low-scoring contest is well on the cards, nonetheless, with four of their previous five competitive home matches have featured under 2.5 total goals. Yet, there’s been some first-half action in both of Guangzhou’s group stage home games, with each seeing them trail 1-0 at half-time.

Meanwhile, except for the abovementioned triumph over this opponent, the visitors have failed to win any of their remaining four group phase fixtures (D2, L2) and are already out of contention for a top-two finish. Interestingly, while both of their Group J draws yielded the identical 1-1 scoreline, each defeat saw Port go down by over 1.5 goals ‘to nil.’ If they manage to get on the scoresheet, it may well be before half-time, with ‘Port Lions’ scoring precisely one first-half goal in each group stage match that saw them bring down the opposition defense. However, Sarawut Treephan’s men have endured a dip in form on the road, going from back-to-back away victories to four consecutive trips without winning (D3, L1).