China
China are ranked 77th in the FIFA rankings and in their last qualifying match they swept Guam 7-0 at home in Suzhou. For China, they have almost lost their chance of competing for the top spot in the group and the most realistic goal at the moment is to qualify for the second spot in the group with the best result. The three points must be taken against the Philippines, who are not as strong as the rest of the team, as failure to win means they are basically out of the competition and out of the Top 12. With the exception of Wu Lei, who plays in the La Liga 2, China’s roster is made up of players from their home league.
Philippines
The Philippines are ranked 125th in the FIFA rankings, with a current record of 2 wins, 1 draw and 2 losses, and 7 group points behind China.The Philippines are full of confidence and are not afraid of China. They are hoping to make history by beating China in what will be a crucial match for the Philippines in the Round of 12. With the Philippines currently three points behind China, the two teams are direct rivals for second place in the group and will have to go all out for a win to keep their hopes of qualifying for the World Cup alive.
The remaining matches in Group A of the World Cup Round of 40 have been moved to the UAE, with China’s first match against the Philippines on June 8, a game of life and death that will have a direct impact on the chances of Chinese football qualifying. As long as China can play properly and maintain their level of play, beating the Philippines is not a difficult task. Looking at the trend, the Philippines’ strength has been growing in recent years and it is becoming increasingly difficult for China to beat the Philippines by a large margin.
Other variables
The most indicative is the 2019 World Cup Asian qualifier, which is the closest China-Philippines match to now, when China only drew 0-0 with the Philippines. For both teams this game is a back-and-forth affair, with a draw meaning a virtual exit and the winner retaining the chance to continue their push for qualification to the Top 12. From the positioning point of view, China still has some advantages, but the change of venue will have an impact on the preparation of the team, and the high temperature in the UAE is more favourable to the South East Asian team, the Philippines, China also needs to overcome the climate factor in the UAE, the current daytime temperature in Dubai can reach more than 40 degrees Celsius, the Chinese team will certainly be affected by the climate. There is also jet lag to overcome and the risk of epidemic infection.
BETTING TIPS
HANDICAP – Philippines+2.5
