CSL Preview: Henan FC vs Dalian Yingbo

At 19:35 Beijing time on July 31, Henan FC will host Dalian Yingbo in the Chinese Super League. Henan currently sit ninth in the table with 21 points, while Dalian Yingbo are fourth with 28. It is worth noting that Henan were docked six points this season, while Dalian Yingbo were not, so the real gap between the sides is not especially large.

Henan have posted 8 wins, 3 draws and 8 defeats from 19 league matches this season, with their win and loss rates essentially level. They are currently unbeaten in their last three games, recording two wins and one draw, although they conceded once in normal time in each of those matches. Their home form has been fairly ordinary, with 4 wins, 1 draw and 4 defeats from nine league home games, so their home advantage has not been particularly strong. At home, Henan tend to push forward more aggressively, pressing hard in the early stages in an effort to gain a lead, while taking a more conservative defensive approach against stronger opponents.

Dalian Yingbo have also played 19 league matches this season, recording 9 wins, 1 draw and 9 defeats. They have had few draws, with most of their matches producing a winner, but their win-loss ratio is also even. Away from home, Dalian Yingbo have struggled badly, managing only 2 wins, 1 draw and 6 defeats from nine league away games. Their away loss rate stands at 66%, their away points tally ranks near the bottom of the league, and they have conceded as many as 21 goals on the road, more than two per game on average. In their last seven away matches, they have gone winless with 3 draws and 4 defeats, extending a lengthy run without an away victory. Dalian Yingbo generally play an open style, relying on quick attacking-defensive transitions, overlapping wing-backs and central pressing as key tactical features.

The two teams have met twice in 2026, with Dalian Yingbo taking one win and one draw. The draw came in the Chinese FA Cup, where Dalian Yingbo eventually prevailed in the penalty shootout. Even so, this match will be played at Henan's home ground. Given Henan's recent stability and Dalian Yingbo's ongoing away struggles, the outlook here favors Henan to claim a home win.

Prediction: Henan FC to win.

Match time: 2026-7-31 19:35.