Zhejiang Professional vs Yunnan Yukun Prediction: 18.07.2025 Chinese Super League Preview

As the Chinese Super League’s 2025 campaign rolls into its heart, Hangzhou will host a fascinating matchup between ninth-placed Zhejiang Professional and Yunnan Yukun, currently sitting seventh. Both teams have shown flashes of promise, but have battled spells of inconsistency—making this match pivotal for their top-half ambitions. Under the tactical stewardship of Raul Caneda Perez for Zhejiang and Jorn Andersen for Yunnan Yukun, expect a game that sees contrasting approaches: Zhejiang’s penchant for patient buildup against Yunnan’s high-energy, risk-reward style. The table remains tight in mid-pack, with just two points separating the sides, injecting added significance to this July clash.

Naturally, eyes gravitate toward mercurial playmaker Alexandru Mitriță, whose creativity and clinical touch have secured two goals and an assist for Zhejiang in his last five appearances. Opposite him, Yunnan Yukun’s Pedro Henrique has displayed an instinctive nose for goal—his knack for decisive moments, coupled with a willingness to press from the front, could prove vital. Both will be central figures in breaking the deadlock at Hangzhou Dragon Stadium.

Among the host of metrics, one stat stands out: in the past five games, Yunnan Yukun have incurred a striking 10 yellow cards—more than double Zhejiang’s total—hinting at their aggressive approach and the possibility of discipline shaping the match’s narrative.

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Zhejiang Professional vs Yunnan Yukun prediction

Given the form of both squads and their statistical profiles, this contest is finely balanced—yet edges slightly toward the hosts. Zhejiang Professional, despite a recent dip, offer a more coherent structure and have enjoyed spells of dominance at home. Yunnan Yukun, though boasting a superior win rate in 2025 and a recent victory over Henan Songshan Longmen, are hindered by a sprawling yellow card count and a tendency to commit fouls (30 in the last five matches). This physical edge may disrupt their rhythm and, facing a side with higher pass accuracy (Zhejiang’s 84% to Yunnan’s 62% over five games), could result in defensive lapses or disciplinary setbacks.

Expect both teams to find the net—primarily because neither lineup looks secure defensively, and both Mitriță and Henrique are well-equipped to exploit transitional moments. Zhejiang’s 29 goals in 16 league matches signal attacking intent, while their 25 conceded highlight ongoing frailties. That said, Yunnan Yukun’s energetic approach means they won’t shy away from pushing forward, especially considering their recent streak of high-scoring games.

With both teams leaning on a 4-4-2 and favoring wide play, the match is likely to see both attacking promise and moments of midfield congestion. Set pieces could prove crucial, given Yunnan’s high foul count and Zhejiang’s controlled ball movement.

Team Analysis

Recently, Zhejiang Professional have wrestled with mixed fortunes. Their most telling performance came in a narrow 0-1 loss to Dalian Yingbo—where a lapse in concentration undermined their 63% average possession and higher passing accuracy. However, the preceding 3-0 rout of Qingdao Hainiu, powered by Mitriță’s sharp finishing, highlighted their attacking ceiling at home. A 2-2 draw with Shanghai Port, the league’s fourth-placed side, further underscored their potential to trade blows with the division’s upper echelon. Defensive solidity, though, remains a concern: averaging just 5 goals conceded in the last five games. Zhejiang look to control matches but remain vulnerable against relentless pressing and counters.

Yunnan Yukun find themselves on a notable upward swing—two wins, one draw, and just a single defeat in their last four matches. Their thrilling 2-1 win over Henan Songshan Longmen was emblematic of their direct and relentless style, yet their most recent outing, a hard-fought 1-2 loss to Beijing Guoan, exposed the volatility inherent in their aggressive brand of football. Despite creating opportunities, their forward surges rarely mask a defense that’s susceptible to quick transitions, and the 30 fouls over five matches visa clearly on-field discipline issues. Pedro Henrique’s finishing and Oscar Maritu’s hold-up play give Yunnan plenty of attacking punch, but defensive gaps persist.

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🚨Read our full Zhejiang Professional vs Yunnan Yukun stats for more analysis.

Pre-game odds and win probability: Zhejiang Professional the favourite

• Moneyline Zhejiang Professional 1.85 | Yunnan Yukun 3.90
• Draw 4.00
• Over/Under Over 2.5 1.74 | Under 2.5 2.00
• BTTS (both teams to score) Yes 1.64 | No 2.23

The market positions Zhejiang Professional as a clear, if not overwhelming, favorite—rooted in their attacking proficiency at home and stability in possession. Yunnan Yukun’s volatility, aggression, and penchant for drawing cards heighten the risk of conceding, particularly away. Nonetheless, the odds signal respect for Yunnan’s recent improvements and disruptive capacity. With both sides unpredictable at the back, the values on Over 2.5 goals and BTTS both look legitimate. The -0.25 Asian Handicap on Zhejiang emerges as the best balance of risk and reward.

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Possible Starting Lineups

Zhejiang Professional possible starting eleven

• GK: Zhao Bo
• DF: Lucas Possignolo, Leung Nok-Hang, Wang Shiqin, Sun Guowen
• MF: Alexander N’Doumbou, Li Tixiang, Franko Andrijašević, Zhang Jiaqi
• FW: Alexandru Mitriță, Wang Yudong

This starting eleven is built on recent consistency and tactical flexibility. Zhao Bo is a stable presence between the posts. In defense, Possignolo’s aerial command pairs well with Leung Nok-Hang’s no-nonsense style, supported by attack-minded fullbacks in Wang Shiqin and Sun Guowen. The midfield packs creativity with Andrijašević and the industrious Li Tixiang, while Mitriță plays off Yudong up front—expect a 4-4-2, which can shift to a more aggressive 4-2-3-1 when chasing a goal. Special attention should be given to Mitriță’s link-up play; his ability to draw fouls and drift between lines is likely to stretch Yunnan’s midfield.

Yunnan Yukun possible starting eleven

• GK: Ma Zhen
• DF: Dilmurat Mawlanniyaz, Tsui Wang-Kit, Duan Dezhi, Oscar Maritu
• MF: Alexandru Ionita, Zhang Yufeng, Hou Yongyong, Ye Chugui
• FW: Pedro Henrique, Han Zilong

Yunnan Yukun favor a classic 4-4-2, tapping into midfield dynamism and a physical defensive line. Ma Zhen anchors the side in goal, with Mawlanniyaz and Tsui Wang-Kit’s defensive work rate vital against Zhejiang’s wide attacks. In midfield, Ionita and Zhang Yufeng offer creative spark and pressing power; Ye Chugui’s energy complements Hou’s ability to run from deep. Henrique and Han Zilong up top bring a blend of pace and physicality—Henrique is crucial for goals, but Maritu’s defensive deployment out wide may be a tactical surprise. Andersen’s strategy often calls for quick transitions and high pressing, which can disrupt opponents but also leave Yunnan open on the break.

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My take on the Match

The balance tips gently in favor of Zhejiang Professional due to superior home form, more disciplined buildup, and the influence of players like Mitriță. However, Yunnan Yukun’s energy and unyielding press are wildcards—they’ll make life uncomfortable for the hosts and are more than capable of netting at least once. For those seeking an edge, the value lies in Zhejiang (-0.25 Asian Handicap) and an Over 2.5 goals total, with both teams to score a strong likelihood. Expect a lively, high-octane contest that underscores the excitement brewing this CSL season.

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