China PR are set to provide a finely-tuned test for the Westfield Matildas when the teams do battle in a two-match friendly series starting November 22 in Victoria.
Here are what the stats say about our opponents who we meet at AAMI Park (Nov 22) and Simonds Stadium in Geelong (Nov 26).
FIT AND FIRING
With next year’s AFC Women’s Asian Cup just five months away, the tournament’s most successful nation has left no stone unturned in preparing to win a first title since 2006.
Bruno Bini’s side have played 14 matches so far in an exhaustive 2017 for seven victories, two draws and five defeats, and they still have an EAFF Championship to come at the end of the year.
The Steel Roses are set to play a staggering 19 games this year.
REGULAR GOAL THREAT
China PR began the year in fine scoring form, netting nine times in three matches on their way to winning the annual Four Nations Tournament.
Leaner times followed at the Algarve Cup, where they scored only twice in four matches, but a total of 25 goals at an average of 1.7 per match is a solid return.
ATTACKING WILDCARD
Wang Shanshan, who began her international career as defender, has been transformed into an attacking force in recent years and boasts six in her last nine as the team’s spearhead.
The 27-year-old has been ably supported by five-goal Wang Shuang, who famously netted the winner in Abby Wambach’s final match for the United States in 2015.
Zhang Rui and Xiao Yuyi are the other multiple goalscorers in recent times.
CONCERNS AT THE BACK
Cracks have started to appear after they were breached only seven times in their opening 10 matches this year.
The Steel Roses have since shipped two goals in each of their last four outings, including six in three matches at last month’s Yongchuan International Tournament.