Dalian Zhixing vs Chengdu Better City Prediction - 23rd May 2026

Chengdu Better City enter this fixture as the clear favorites, sitting top of the Super League table with a commanding 34 points from 13 matches. Their recent form is nothing short of dominant: nine wins and a single loss across their last ten games, including a perfect 100% away record in their last five road trips. They are scoring freely at 2.30 goals per game while maintaining a defensive wall that concedes just 0.70 goals per match. In contrast, Dalian Zhixing have stumbled badly in recent weeks, suffering four defeats in their last five outings. Despite sitting fourth on 19 points, their recent results show a side struggling to find consistency, with only one win in their last five league games. The head-to-head record heavily favors the visitors. Chengdu Better City have won both previous meetings 2-0, keeping two clean sheets and scoring four goals while completely shutting down Dalian’s attack. This historical dominance aligns with the current tactical matchup. Dalian average 1.80 goals at home but concede 1.40, while Chengdu’s away defense is elite, allowing just 0.80 goals per game on the road. The mathematical goal expectancy for this fixture sits at 1.30 for the home side and 1.60 for the visitors, pointing toward a Chengdu-controlled game. From a statistical standpoint, Dalian generate 18.0 shots at home but struggle to convert, averaging 1.40 goals scored against a 1.50 goals conceded rate over their last ten matches. Chengdu, meanwhile, maintain 55.8% possession away from home and consistently test the opposition with 12.2 shots per game. Their recent 1-0 defeat to Shanghai SIPG was an anomaly in an otherwise flawless run, and the market has correctly priced them as strong favorites. At 1.85, the away win offers a solid edge over the implied probability, especially given Dalian’s defensive vulnerabilities and Chengdu’s relentless attacking output. Key Points: - Chengdu Better City are 1st in the Super League with a 90% win rate over their last 10 games. - Dalian Zhixing have lost 4 of their last 5 matches and are struggling to keep clean sheets. - Chengdu have won both previous H2H encounters 2-0, with Dalian failing to score in both. - Chengdu’s away defense concedes just 0.80 goals per game, while Dalian concede 1.40 at home. - The away win at 1.85 represents strong value against a side in poor form. Given Chengdu Better City’s relentless winning streak, superior defensive record, and perfect head-to-head history against Dalian Zhixing, the visitors are the clear pick. I recommend backing the Away Win at 1.85.