Beijing Guoan Expected to See Off Dalian K'efu

Beijing Guoan head into Tuesday's FA Cup round-of-16 tie in strong form and with far greater quality than lower-division opponents Dalian K'efu. The cup holders look well placed to progress.

By 7MTHScore Staff

The Chinese FA Cup round of 16 gets under way on Tuesday afternoon, with Dalian K'efu at home to Beijing Guoan. With superior quality and strong recent form, Beijing Guoan are expected to get the job done against the League Two side.

As a lower-division team, Dalian K'efu lack top-level talent and their overall tempo in both attack and defence is difficult to compare with a Chinese Super League side. Reaching the round of 16 after progressing from the first round is already a breakthrough achievement for them in this competition. Even with home advantage and the lift from the crowd, their defensive stability is lacking and their finishing in attack is below par, so they are unlikely to trouble a physical Beijing Guoan side.

Beijing Guoan have been in excellent form recently. Led by Serginho and Lin Liangming, they have lost only 1 of their last 11 matches in all competitions since the start of May, with the other 10 producing 6 wins and 4 draws. Guoan also have a rich history in the FA Cup, reaching the final seven times and winning five titles. They beat Henan 3-0 in last season's final and their target this year is to defend the trophy. In the fourth round, they recorded a 2-1 win over Guangdong Guangzhou Leopard. Against a limited Dalian K'efu side in the last 16, Beijing Guoan are expected to keep moving forward.