Witnessing three ties and only one goal in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers so far, China is determined to win the crucial game against Asiad champions Qatar at home on Saturday with its speedy wings and powerful headers.
With a conservative 4-3-2-1 formation, China labored out a goalless draw in the extreme heat and humidity in Doha on Monday. However, Qataris remained one point ahead of China in the race for the second spot as Australia pulled three points clear atop the Group One.
At the "Water Drop" Olympic Centre Stadium in Tianjin on Saturday, China is desperate for a win to overtake Qatar before meeting Asian champions Iraq and Australia, who advanced to 2006 World Cup knockout stage, later in June.
Though having experimented with several formations, China head coach Dujkovic favors the attacking 4-4-2 lineup based on two sharp sides.
The left and right fullbacks, Sun Xiang and Zhang Shuai are encouraged by Dujkovic to move forward on the wings in support of the attack. But as Zhang suffered injuries and was unsure for the key match, the former Manchester City right back Sun Jihai might occupy this position with his accurate long pass techniques.
Li Weiweng is no doubt in the core of central defence and his partner might be Wang Xiao or Zhang Yaokun if the former captain of under-23 national team Feng Xiaoting is still uncertain about his fitness before Saturday.
The back four are supported by defensive midfielder Zhou Haibin,who acts as the link between defenders and the attackers. In front of them is the dynamic attacking midfield trio of Zheng Zhi (in the middle), Du Zhenyu (on the left) and Wang Dong (on the right).
Zheng will take the playmaking role in the attacking system. The Charlton Athletic midfielder can create space for the two sides and the forwards with his dribbling ability to deliver sharp passes. Du and Wang will make indefatigable runs down the wings to provide the attack with width.
Up front, Han Peng will line up as the lone target man, with Zhu Ting playing beside him on either side. Han boasts height and Zhu is speedy.
During the training session on Thursday night, Li Weifeng and Han Peng, the two with better heading skill, were asked by Dujkovic to compete in the air and hammer the ball to the net over and over. While players on the sides like Du Zhenyu and Sun Jihai just focused on delivering fast curved and well placed crosses to find the attackers in the box.
Besides, under-23 players Hao Junmin and Jiang Ning, who are quick with the ball at feet, might be substitutes for the starting wingers.
Following is the expected starting lineup (4-4-2):
Goalkeeper: Song Zhenyu
Defenders: Sun Jihai, Li Weifeng, Zhang Yaokun, Sun Xiang
Midfielders: Wang Dong, Zhou Haibin, Zheng Zhi, Du Zhenyu
Forwards: Zhu Ting, Han Peng
Source:Xinhua
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