Ningbo FC vs Chongqing Tonglianglong FC: CFA Cup Preview
Ningbo FC host Chongqing Tonglianglong FC in today's CFA Cup fixture at 09:00, with the visitors arriving as clear favourites based on recent head-to-head record. Chongqing have won three of the last four meetings between these sides, with one draw, while Ningbo remain winless in direct competition. Both teams enter with mixed recent form, though Ningbo's latest result was a victory. This early-morning kick-off presents a critical opportunity for the hosts to overturn their historical disadvantage.
Form Guide and Recent Performance
Ningbo FC arrive at this fixture with a WWLLW record across their last five matches, showing inconsistency but with a positive trajectory. Their most recent outing ended in victory, suggesting some momentum heading into the cup competition. However, the sequence reveals a concerning pattern: two consecutive losses preceded that win, indicating defensive vulnerabilities that Chongqing will look to exploit. The hosts have managed to secure wins in three of their last five outings, but the alternating nature of results suggests a team still searching for sustained consistency.
Chongqing Tonglianglong FC present a more balanced recent record with WLWWL across the same five-game period. Their form shows two consecutive wins in the middle of that sequence, demonstrating an ability to build momentum. However, like Ningbo, they too have shown vulnerability, with losses bookending their recent form. The visitors' most recent result was a defeat, which may provide psychological opportunity for the hosts, though Chongqing's superior head-to-head record suggests they remain the more accomplished outfit in direct encounters.
Head-to-Head Record and Historical Advantage
The historical data strongly favours Chongqing Tonglianglong FC. In the last four meetings between these clubs, Chongqing have won three times with one draw, leaving Ningbo without a victory in this fixture. This represents a significant psychological and statistical advantage for the visitors, who arrive knowing they have consistently found a way past their hosts in recent seasons. The absence of a Ningbo win in this matchup is a notable concern for supporters of the home side, particularly given that cup competitions often reward teams with strong head-to-head momentum.
The draw that featured in this sequence suggests both teams are capable of cancelling each other out, though Chongqing's three victories indicate they have generally possessed the quality to break through Ningbo's defences when required. For Ningbo, overturning this record would represent not only a cup victory but also a significant psychological breakthrough in what has become a one-sided rivalry. The early kick-off time may level the playing field to some degree, though Chongqing's proven ability in this fixture suggests they will enter as confident competitors regardless of circumstances.