Chongqing sitting 2nd with 29 points creates an inflated market perception, but the reality on the pitch tells a different story—they are limping through a four-match winless skid, and with the title completely out of reach (13 points off the top even with a win), their motivation and sharp edge are visibly fading.

Shenzhen, on the other hand, is backed into a corner sitting just five points clear of the drop zone. In high-stakes relegation scraps, desperation at home trumps a coasting top-four side every day of the week.

Analysis by Broker Heisenberg - Updated Aug 2, 2026