By Jon Ritson

Matthew Kemp and Kaz Patafta are in the 17-man squad for a match which will be valuable preparation for both sides.

For China it is a final opportunity to impress ahead of its Asian Cup campaign while Victory sees the clash as a taster to life in the Asian Champions League.

Assistant coach Aaron Healey said the team has settled in well, despite having to come to terms with 90 per humidity.

China face Victory before travelling to Kuala Lumpur to face Iran, Uzbekistan and Malaysia in Group C of the Asian Cup. Healey said: “They’re a good side and they’re pretty keen to put on a good show.”

Healey told the club’s website said: “This is a fantastic opportunity to sample what it will be like in the AFC Champions League as far as conditions and the way in which Asian teams play their football.

“Matthew Kemp will be playing his first game and he’s one that’s had a bit of AFC Champions League experience, but he’s coming off limited preparation and this is a game for him to understand how we play.”

As for fellow new recruit Patafta; he has just completed his first training session before being thrown into the fray.

Healey said: “It’s his first game and he’s straight into a match against China, which is a fairly big ask.

“We’re just hoping he gets plenty of the ball and he can showcase what he’s all about, but we’re not expecting too much of him straight away. “He doesn’t know his team-mates as well as he’s going to at the start of the season, so as long as he gets plenty of the ball and enjoys himself, that’s all we’re worried about at the moment.”

Victory will take on China at Siu Sai Wan Stadium, Hong Kong and a small number of Victory fans en route to the Asian Cup are expected to be there in support.

Victory will then travel to face Chinese Super League side Tianjin Teda for the Mayors’ Cup at Tianjin Teda Stadium on Saturday night.