Henan Songshan Longmen vs Dalian Yingbo: Match Preview, Predictions and Betting Tips
Published on Sunday, 19 July 2026 by Steve
Henan Songshan Longmen vs Dalian Yingbo - China FA Cup Round of 16
China FA Cup 2026 Prediction & Betting Tips
Match Overview
The 2026 Chinese FA Cup reaches a critical juncture as the competition enters the fifth round (Round of 16), with Henan Songshan Longmen hosting Dalian Yingbo at the iconic Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium on Tuesday, 21 July 2026. This fixture represents one of the most intriguing matchups of the round, pitting two Chinese Super League sides against each other in a single-elimination format where only one team can advance to the quarter-finals. The stakes could not be higher, as the winner will face either Shanghai Shenhua or Qingdao Hainiu in the next round, with the ultimate prize being a place in the prestigious Chinese FA Cup final scheduled for December 6, 2026, at the Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium.
Henan Songshan Longmen enter this cup tie with renewed confidence following their emphatic 5-1 victory over Qingdao Hainiu in their most recent Super League outing on July 17, 2026. That result showcased the attacking prowess that manager Daniel Ramos has been cultivating throughout the 2026/2027 season. The Red Devils, as they are affectionately known by their passionate fanbase, have experienced an inconsistent campaign in the league, currently sitting in 12th position with 18 points from 18 matches, but the cup represents a genuine opportunity for silverware and a route to continental qualification. For a club with the rich history and tradition of Henan, dating back to their founding in 1958, the FA Cup holds special significance, and their supporters will be expecting nothing less than maximum effort against a dangerous Dalian Yingbo side.
Dalian Yingbo, meanwhile, arrive in Zhengzhou as one of the surprise packages of the 2026 Chinese Super League season. Under the astute management of Li Guoxu, the Dalian-based club has defied expectations and currently occupies 3rd position in the league standings with 25 points from 17 matches. Their remarkable rise has been fueled by a potent attacking unit and the electric atmosphere generated by their home supporters at the magnificent Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, which has consistently recorded attendances exceeding 62,000 spectators throughout the season. However, cup competitions have a habit of leveling the playing field, and Dalian Yingbo will be acutely aware that their league form counts for little in this winner-takes-all encounter. Their recent results have shown some vulnerability, with mixed form in their last five matches across all competitions, and they will need to be at their very best to overcome a Henan side that has historically proven difficult to beat on their own turf.
Tactical Preview
Formation & Key Matchups
Henan Songshan Longmen 4-2-3-1
Manager Daniel Ramos has predominantly deployed a 4-2-3-1 formation throughout the 2026 season, emphasizing defensive solidity while allowing creative freedom to his attacking midfielders. The double pivot of Shangyuan Wang and Ablahan Haliq provides crucial protection for the back four, while the attacking trio of Bruno Nazário, Chao He, and Abdurasul Abudulam supports the lone striker. Henan's tactical approach relies heavily on quick transitions from defense to attack, utilizing the pace of their wide players to stretch opposition defenses. In their 5-1 demolition of Qingdao Hainiu, Henan demonstrated their ability to dominate possession and create high-quality chances, with Gustavo and Bruno Nazário both in exceptional form. The Brazilian duo has been instrumental in Henan's attacking play, combining for 14 league goals this season. Against Dalian Yingbo, Ramos will likely instruct his team to press high up the pitch, disrupting Dalian's build-up play and forcing turnovers in dangerous areas. The key tactical battle will be how Henan's midfield handles the creative threat of Nicolae Stanciu, Dalian's Romanian playmaker who has been the architect of so many of their attacking moves this season.
Dalian Yingbo 4-2-3-1
Li Guoxu has favored a flexible 4-2-3-1 system that can morph into a more defensive 4-4-2 when required, demonstrating the tactical adaptability that has been a hallmark of Dalian Yingbo's impressive 2026 campaign. The foundation of their success has been a well-organized defensive unit, with Mamadou Traoré and Lü Zhuoyi forming a formidable central defensive partnership. In midfield, the experienced Lü Peng provides stability alongside the more adventurous Jintao Liao, while the attacking trident of Nicolae Stanciu, Frank Acheampong, and the prolific Cephas Malele offers genuine goal threat from multiple angles. Malele, in particular, has been sensational this season, scoring 6 goals in the Super League and establishing himself as one of the most feared strikers in Chinese football. Dalian's tactical approach often involves absorbing pressure and hitting teams on the counter-attack, utilizing the pace of Acheampong and the intelligent movement of Malele to exploit spaces behind opposition defenses. Against Henan, Li Guoxu will need to decide whether to stick with this conservative approach or take the game to their opponents, knowing that a draw at full time will lead to 30 minutes of extra time and potentially a penalty shootout. The Swiss-born striker Malele will be the focal point of their attack, and his physical presence and clinical finishing will test Henan's Brazilian center-back pairing of Iago Maidana and Lucas Maia to the fullest extent.
Critical Vulnerability
Dalian Yingbo's primary vulnerability lies in their defensive transitions when committing numbers forward in attack. While their counter-attacking prowess is well-documented, they have shown susceptibility to quick turnovers in midfield, particularly when Nicolae Stanciu is caught high up the pitch. Henan's pressing game, orchestrated by the tireless Shangyuan Wang, could exploit this weakness if executed with precision and intensity. Additionally, Dalian's away form has been less convincing than their dominant home performances at the Suoyuwan Stadium, where they have recorded six wins from nine matches. On the road, they have managed just two victories in five attempts, conceding an average of 1.6 goals per game. Henan, conversely, have been relatively strong at the Hanghai Stadium, and their supporters will create an intimidating atmosphere that could unsettle the visiting side. The set-piece battle could also prove decisive, with both teams possessing players capable of delivering dangerous balls into the box. Henan's Iago Maidana, standing at 1.92 meters, is a significant aerial threat from corners and free-kicks, while Dalian will look to utilize the delivery of Stanciu and the heading ability of Malele to cause problems at the other end.
Team News & Squad Status
Henan Songshan Longmen 📈
- Bruno Nazário (MF) - In exceptional form with 7 goals and 2 assists this season; the Brazilian playmaker is the creative heartbeat of the team
- Gustavo (FW) - Leading scorer with 7 goals in the Super League; arrived from Cultural Leonesa and has adapted brilliantly to Chinese football
- Shangyuan Wang (MF, Captain) - The veteran midfielder provides leadership and has contributed 3 assists; his experience will be crucial in cup pressure situations
- Iago Maidana (DF) - The Brazilian center-back has scored 2 goals and provides aerial dominance in both penalty areas
- Jordi Mboula (MF) - Spanish midfielder on loan, adds technical quality and creativity from the bench
- Oliver Gerbig (DF) - Hong Kong international defender, solid and reliable in the back four
- Yihao Zhong (MF) - Consistent performer with 2 goals this season, dangerous from set-pieces
- Zheng Dalun (MF) - Versatile midfielder who can play multiple positions across the midfield and attack
- Full squad available with no major injury concerns reported ahead of this cup tie
Dalian Yingbo ⚡
- Cephas Malele (FW) - Top scorer with 6 goals in 11 appearances; the Swiss-born striker is in red-hot form and will be the main threat
- Nicolae Stanciu (MF) - Romanian international with 2 assists and crucial goals; his vision and passing range unlock defenses
- Frank Acheampong (FW) - Ghanaian winger with 3 goals, provides pace and direct running on the counter-attack
- Mamadou Traoré (DF) - Malian center-back, physical and dominant in aerial duels; key to Dalian's defensive organization
- Lü Peng (MF) - Veteran Chinese international, captain and midfield anchor; his experience will be vital in a high-pressure cup environment
- Jintao Liao (MF) - Young midfielder with 1 goal, energetic box-to-box presence
- Zhu Pengyu (FW/MF) - 20-year-old prospect with 10 starts this season, represents the future of the club
- Yang Mingrui (MF) - 18-year-old prodigy who has featured in 11 matches, one of Chinese football's brightest young talents
- Isnik Alimi (MF) - North Macedonian midfielder, technical player who adds creativity from deep positions
- No significant injuries reported; Li Guoxu has a full squad to select from for this important cup fixture
Predicted Lineups
| Henan Songshan Longmen 4-2-3-1 | Dalian Yingbo 4-2-3-1 |
|---|---|
| GK: Wang Guoming | GK: Huang Zihao |
| RB: Yeljan Shinar | RB: Lü Zhuoyi |
| CB: Iago Maidana | CB: Mamadou Traoré |
| CB: Lucas Maia | CB: Li Ang |
| LB: Yixin Liu | LB: Wen Jiabao |
| CDM: Shangyuan Wang (C) | CDM: Lü Peng (C) |
| CDM: Ablahan Haliq | CDM: Jintao Liao |
| RAM: Abdurasul Abudulam | RAM: Yang Mingrui |
| CAM: Bruno Nazário | CAM: Nicolae Stanciu |
| LAM: Chao He | LAM: Frank Acheampong |
| ST: Gustavo | ST: Cephas Malele |
Head-to-Head Record
The head-to-head history between Henan Songshan Longmen and Dalian Yingbo is relatively brief but fascinating, with the two clubs having met on just three occasions since Dalian Yingbo's promotion to the Chinese Super League. The record stands at two wins for Dalian Yingbo and one for Henan, with no draws, making this one of the more unpredictable recent rivalries in Chinese football. Their first meeting came on April 16, 2025, at the Dalian Suoyuwan Football Stadium, where the hosts secured a narrow 1-0 victory in a tightly contested affair. The return fixture on August 24, 2025, at Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium saw Henan exact revenge in spectacular fashion, demolishing Dalian 4-0 in one of their most impressive home performances of that season. The most recent encounter, played on April 18, 2026, at the Suoyuwan Stadium, ended in another 1-0 victory for Dalian Yingbo, demonstrating their growing dominance in this fledgling rivalry.
What makes this head-to-head record particularly interesting is the home advantage factor. Both teams have won their home fixtures convincingly, with Henan's 4-0 triumph at the Hanghai Stadium standing out as the most emphatic result between the two sides. This pattern suggests that the venue could play a significant role in determining the outcome of this FA Cup tie. Henan will be hoping that their familiar surroundings and the vociferous support of the Red Devils fanbase will give them the edge needed to overturn Dalian's overall superiority in direct encounters. The fact that all three previous meetings have been decided by a single goal margin, except for Henan's 4-0 outlier, indicates that these matches are typically tight, tense affairs where individual moments of quality can prove decisive. With both managers likely to field their strongest available lineups given the importance of the competition, this fourth meeting promises to be another fascinating chapter in what is rapidly developing into one of the Chinese Super League's most compelling new rivalries.
Key Players Comparison
The individual battle between the two teams' star attackers will likely determine the outcome of this cup tie. For Henan Songshan Longmen, all eyes will be on the Brazilian duo of Gustavo and Bruno Nazário. Gustavo, who joined the club for the 2026 season, has been a revelation, leading the team's scoring charts with 7 goals in the Chinese Super League. His combination of physical strength, intelligent movement, and clinical finishing makes him a constant threat to any defense. Bruno Nazário, equally prolific with 7 goals and 2 assists, operates primarily as an attacking midfielder but has the freedom to roam across the final third, linking play and arriving late in the box to score crucial goals. His understanding with Gustavo has developed into one of the most potent partnerships in the division, and Dalian's defense will need to be at its most organized to contain their movement and interplay.
Dalian Yingbo's response will be led by the formidable Cephas Malele, who has established himself as one of the deadliest strikers in Chinese football during the 2026 campaign. The Swiss-born forward has netted 6 goals in 11 appearances and possesses a rare combination of pace, power, and precision that makes him equally dangerous in open play and from set-pieces. His performance in Dalian's 2-0 victory over Chengdu Rongcheng on May 23, 2026, where he scored the opening goal in front of a record crowd, demonstrated his ability to deliver on the biggest stages. Behind him, Nicolae Stanciu provides the creative engine, with his exceptional vision and passing range unlocking defenses throughout the season. The Romanian international has contributed 2 assists but his influence extends far beyond statistics, as he dictates the tempo of Dalian's attacks and delivers dangerous set-pieces that have led to numerous goals. The midfield battle between Stanciu and Henan's defensive midfielders will be fascinating, as will the physical contest between Malele and Henan's Brazilian center-backs Iago Maidana and Lucas Maia. Whichever team's star players can rise to the occasion and produce match-winning moments will likely see their side advance to the quarter-finals of this prestigious competition.
The Managers
Daniel Ramos (Henan Songshan Longmen)
The Portuguese tactician Daniel Ramos took charge of Henan Songshan Longmen on April 29, 2025, and has been steadily building a team that reflects his footballing philosophy. Ramos, who previously managed in Portugal and South Korea, has brought a disciplined, structured approach to Henan's play, emphasizing defensive organization while encouraging creative expression in the final third. Under his guidance, Henan have become a difficult team to break down, with their 4-2-3-1 formation providing a solid defensive foundation. Ramos has shown a willingness to trust in experienced campaigners like Shangyuan Wang and Bruno Nazário while also integrating younger talents into the squad. His man-management skills have been evident in the way he has handled the pressure of a challenging Super League season, keeping morale high despite inconsistent results. In cup competitions, Ramos has demonstrated a pragmatic approach, making tactical adjustments based on the specific challenges posed by opponents. For this crucial FA Cup tie, he will need to devise a game plan that neutralizes Dalian Yingbo's counter-attacking threat while maximizing Henan's own attacking potential. His experience in knockout football from his time in European competitions could prove invaluable in guiding his team through the high-pressure environment of a single-elimination cup match.
Ramos has also been instrumental in developing Henan's set-piece routines, with the team scoring several goals from corners and free-kicks this season. His attention to detail in training and his ability to motivate players for one-off cup fixtures will be tested to the fullest against a Dalian side that has exceeded all expectations this season. The Portuguese coach will be urging his players to treat this match as a final, knowing that victory would not only advance them in the competition but also provide a significant boost to their confidence for the remainder of the Super League campaign. With the full backing of the Henan board and supporters, Ramos has the tools at his disposal to engineer a cup run that could define his tenure at the club.
Li Guoxu (Dalian Yingbo)
Li Guoxu is a true son of Dalian football, having been born in the city on April 11, 1978, and beginning his playing career with the legendary Dalian Wanda side that dominated Chinese football in the late 1990s. His journey as a manager has been equally rooted in the Dalian football ecosystem, and his appointment as head coach of Dalian Yingbo in 2022 has proven to be an inspired decision. Li took the club from the Chinese Champions League, through China League Two, and ultimately into the Chinese Super League, completing a remarkable rise through the divisions. His intimate knowledge of the club's culture and his understanding of what it means to represent Dalian have endeared him to supporters, who have packed the Suoyuwan Stadium in record numbers throughout the 2026 season. Under his leadership, Dalian Yingbo have not merely survived in the top flight; they have thrived, currently sitting in 3rd position and challenging for continental qualification.
Li Guoxu's tactical approach is characterized by flexibility and pragmatism. He is not wedded to a single formation or style of play, instead adapting his team's approach based on the strengths and weaknesses of opponents. This adaptability has been crucial to Dalian's success, allowing them to compete with and defeat teams with significantly larger budgets and more established squads. Li has also shown a remarkable ability to get the best out of his foreign players, with Cephas Malele, Nicolae Stanciu, and Frank Acheampong all performing at the peak of their abilities under his guidance. His man-management skills and his ability to foster a cohesive team spirit have been equally important, creating a dressing room environment where players are willing to fight for each other and for their manager. In cup competitions, Li has demonstrated a shrewd understanding of knockout football, making bold tactical decisions and substitutions that have turned matches in his team's favor. As Dalian Yingbo seek to continue their fairytale rise with a deep run in the Chinese FA Cup, Li Guoxu's leadership and tactical acumen will be crucial factors in determining whether they can overcome the challenge posed by Henan Songshan Longmen and advance to the quarter-finals.
Betting Predictions & Tips
Odds: 2.05 (European)
Henan's home advantage at the Hanghai Stadium, combined with their recent 5-1 demolition of Qingdao Hainiu, makes them strong contenders for this cup tie. The Red Devils have historically performed well in knockout competitions at home, and their attacking unit led by Gustavo and Bruno Nazário is firing on all cylinders. Dalian Yingbo's away form has been less convincing than their dominant home performances, and the pressure of a cup tie on the road could expose their defensive vulnerabilities. At odds of 2.05, Henan represents excellent value for bettors looking for a solid favorite in this matchup. The single-elimination format also favors the home side, as they will be motivated to settle the contest in regular time and avoid the lottery of extra time and penalties.
Odds: 1.62 (European)
Both teams possess significant attacking firepower and have shown a tendency to be involved in high-scoring matches throughout the 2026 season. Henan's last five matches have seen both teams score in 60% of fixtures, while Dalian Yingbo's attacking trio of Malele, Stanciu, and Acheampong has consistently found the net against even the strongest defenses. The open nature of cup football, where teams are often more willing to take risks in pursuit of victory, further supports this selection. With both managers likely to adopt positive approaches, there should be ample goal-scoring opportunities at both ends of the pitch.
Odds: 1.85 (European)
The attacking talent on display in this fixture suggests that goals are likely to flow. Henan's 5-1 victory over Qingdao Hainiu demonstrated their ability to score in bunches, while Dalian Yingbo have been involved in several high-scoring encounters this season, including a 3-2 victory over Wuhan Three Towns and a 4-1 defeat to Shanghai Shenhua. The tactical setups of both teams, which prioritize attacking play and creative freedom for their star players, should lead to an entertaining, open contest with multiple goal-scoring opportunities. In cup football, where the stakes are high and defenses can be more tentative, the over 2.5 goals market offers compelling value.
Odds: 9.00 (European)
Our prediction model points towards a narrow 2-1 victory for Henan Songshan Longmen, a result that would reflect the tight nature of this contest while acknowledging the home side's slight advantage. Henan's attacking quality should see them find the net twice, but Dalian's potent counter-attacking threat, led by Cephas Malele, ensures they will not leave Zhengzhou without scoring. This scoreline has occurred in numerous cup ties of similar stature and represents a realistic outcome given the tactical profiles of both teams. For bettors seeking higher returns, the correct score market at 9.00 offers an attractive risk-reward proposition.
Odds: 2.75 (European)
The Brazilian attacking midfielder has been Henan's standout performer this season, scoring 7 goals and providing 2 assists in the Chinese Super League. His ability to arrive late in the box, combined with his excellent shooting from distance, makes him a constant goal threat. In cup competitions, where space can open up as matches progress, Nazário's intelligent movement and clinical finishing could prove decisive. At odds of 2.75, backing him to score anytime represents a speculative but potentially rewarding wager for those looking to add an individual player bet to their portfolio.
📊 Final Score Prediction
Match Analysis
Our comprehensive analysis of this Chinese FA Cup Round of 16 tie points towards a narrow 2-1 victory for Henan Songshan Longmen, a result that would see them advance to the quarter-finals and keep their cup dreams alive. Several factors contribute to this prediction, chief among them being Henan's formidable home record at the Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium, where they have historically been difficult to beat in cup competitions. The Red Devils' recent 5-1 thrashing of Qingdao Hainiu demonstrated the attacking potency that manager Daniel Ramos has cultivated, with Gustavo and Bruno Nazário both in exceptional form and capable of producing match-winning moments.
Dalian Yingbo, for all their impressive league form and the individual brilliance of Cephas Malele and Nicolae Stanciu, have shown vulnerability on their travels this season. Their away record in the Super League stands at just two wins from five attempts, and the unique pressure of a knockout cup tie on the road could further inhibit their normally fluent attacking play. While they possess the quality to score and make this a genuinely competitive contest, our model suggests that Henan's defensive organization, led by the experienced Iago Maidana and Lucas Maia, will ultimately prove sufficient to contain Dalian's threats for long enough to secure progression. The predicted 2-1 scoreline reflects a match where Henan take control through their superior home advantage and attacking momentum, but Dalian's quality ensures they are never out of contention until the final whistle. For bettors and fans alike, this promises to be a compelling cup tie that showcases the best of Chinese football in 2026.
Key Insights & Statistics
- Henan Songshan Longmen have won 3 of their last 5 matches across all competitions, scoring 9 goals during this period
- Dalian Yingbo have won 2, drawn 1, and lost 2 of their last 5 matches, showing inconsistent form heading into this cup tie
- The two teams have met 3 times since 2025, with Dalian Yingbo winning 2 and Henan winning 1; no draws have been recorded
- Henan's Gustavo and Bruno Nazário have combined for 14 goals in the 2026 Chinese Super League season
- Dalian's Cephas Malele has scored 6 goals in 11 Super League appearances, making him one of the division's most prolific strikers
- Henan recorded a 4-0 victory over Dalian Yingbo in their most recent home meeting on August 24, 2025
- Dalian Yingbo won the reverse fixture 1-0 on April 18, 2026, at the Suoyuwan Stadium
- The winner of this tie will face either Shanghai Shenhua or Qingdao Hainiu in the quarter-finals
- Henan have been deducted 6 points in the Super League this season but their cup run is unaffected
- Dalian Yingbo currently sit 3rd in the CSL table with 25 points from 17 matches, while Henan are 12th with 18 points from 18 matches
- The match will be played at Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium, which has a capacity of 29,860 spectators
- Both teams are expected to field their strongest available lineups given the importance of the FA Cup
- The 2026 Chinese FA Cup is the 28th edition of the competition, with Beijing Guoan as defending champions
- The final will be held at Suzhou Olympic Sports Centre Stadium on December 6, 2026
- European odds favor Henan at 2.05, with Dalian Yingbo available at 3.52 and the draw priced at 3.40
Conclusion
The Chinese FA Cup Round of 16 tie between Henan Songshan Longmen and Dalian Yingbo represents everything that makes knockout football so compelling. Two teams with contrasting seasons but shared ambition will collide at the Zhengzhou Hanghai Stadium, with a place in the quarter-finals and the continuation of their cup dreams on the line. For Henan, this match offers an opportunity to salvage something meaningful from a challenging Super League campaign and to give their loyal supporters a night to remember. The form of Gustavo and Bruno Nazário, combined with their historical success against Dalian at home, provides genuine grounds for optimism that Daniel Ramos's side can progress.
Dalian Yingbo, meanwhile, will be determined to prove that their remarkable rise up the Chinese football pyramid is not merely a league phenomenon but a reflection of genuine quality that can translate to cup success. Li Guoxu's tactical flexibility and the individual brilliance of Cephas Malele and Nicolae Stanciu ensure that they will be formidable opponents, capable of hurting any team in the country on their day. However, the challenge of winning away from the Suoyuwan Stadium, where they have been virtually unstoppable this season, represents a significant hurdle that they must overcome if they are to advance.
Our prediction of a 2-1 victory for Henan Songshan Longmen is based on a careful analysis of form, home advantage, head-to-head history, and the specific demands of cup football. While Dalian Yingbo possess the quality to make this a genuinely competitive and entertaining contest, we believe that Henan's superior home record and the momentum generated by their recent 5-1 triumph over Qingdao Hainiu will ultimately prove decisive. For bettors, the European odds of 2.05 for a Henan victory represent solid value, while the both teams to score and over 2.5 goals markets offer additional opportunities for those seeking to enhance their match-day experience. Whatever the outcome, this promises to be a memorable evening of Chinese FA Cup football that showcases the growing quality and competitiveness of the domestic game.
