After a long wait due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Chinese Super League is set to return tonight, albeit with some significant format changes
As the original epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, China has had to wait a long time for normal life to resume. However, with the country recovering well from the pandemic, football authorities have finally allowed the league to start.
With the aim of ending the upcoming season within the calendar year, the Chinese Super League has been shortened from its earlier format.
The teams will be divided into two groups of eight, with one to play in Dalian and the other in Suzhou to reduce inter-provincial travel.
Group A features defending champions Guangzhou Evergrande, as well as other notable sides Dalian Pro, Shanghai Shenhua, and Shangdong Luneng. Meanwhile, Beijing Guoan and Shanghai SIPG look like the big fish on Group B.
The final stage will see the top four from each group compete in a knockout tournament to determine the eventual winner, while the bottom half of the bracket will fight to stave off relegation.