An in-form Zheng has scored an impressive nine goals for Charlton this season and has become a popular figure at the south London club.

His attacking and creativity will be the lynchpin of the midfield, as China plans to play more aggressive soccer.

"We will play more aggressively and forwardly," Petrovic said. "If we choose to play a conservative match, it's more likely we'll lose.

"I know how much this match means to our fans. We have to play a beautiful match even if the result is a draw. We will attack and attack. If we win, we will come back home and play our second match against Australia with our morale high."

Apart from Zheng, another two players based in Europe - Premier League club Manchester City right back Sun Jihai and Manchester United teenage striker Dong Fangzhuo - have also joined the team, but their form is still in doubt due to the long flight and the time change.

But Zheng dismissed the concerns.

"It does not make any difference to me. It's just like two matches a week in the league," Zheng said. "It's still in the middle of the season so the physical stamina is not the problem. There is the time difference but it's also not a big deal."

Petrovic's fellow coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who is also in charge of the national team, said Zheng will be in the starting lineup but the other two remain questionable.

"Zheng is very important to the team. The national team is short of a player like Zheng," said Dujkovic. "Sun and Dong are not at their best. We will wait and see if they are able to play."

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