Chen Zhizhao Signs For Corinthians

Corinthians , the current Brazilian champions have signed Chen Zhizhao on a two year deal to help promote their brand in Asia. Based recommendations from the marketing department, the signing of Chen Zhizhao is the start of Corinthians strategy to start tapping into the potential commercial market in China. Opening an official club store in China and also playing pre-season friendlies are also on the agenda.

The 23-year-old former Shanghai Shenhua youth team player will be given the shirt number 200 to celebrate 200 years of Chinese immigration to Brazil and has already proved popular with Corinthians fans, who has given him the nickname. ‘Zizao’.

This is a massive game in the race for fourth place and the final Champions League spot. After an excellent week for both sides where Arsenal produced their best performance of the season and Liverpool lifting the Carling Cup, both sides need to push on if they are to achieve Champions League qualification.

Steven Gerrard Lifting Liverpool Carling Cup 2012

For Liverpool a return to the Champions League is still their main objective and would be the most significant achievement of all. A win today would rekindle their hopes of Champions League qualification for next year, however a defeat today to Arsenal would surely mean another year out of the elite competition where Merseyside team would be 10 points adrift of the Londoners.

Arsenal are looking to build on their 5-2 victory of neighbours Tottenham last Sunday and a result at Anfield would set up a platform to finish the season strongly for the Gunners.

Liverpool are currently unbeaten in nine league games at Anfield but the number of draws at home has been their story of their season having drawn seven, while Arsenal have already lost six times on their travels this season. Something which they must improve upon if they want to finish in the top 4.