|
|
Arsenal and Manchester City set for summer friendly in China
The two Premier League giants hope to expand their followings in the Asian economic powerhouse by playing a glamour pre-season match at the Bird's Nest Olympic stadium
8 Feb 2012 19:54:00
By George Ankers
Getty Images
Arsenal and Manchester City are to contest a pre-season match in Beijing in the summer, Chinese officials have confirmed.
The two sides will face off in the Bird’s Nest stadium, built for the 2008 Olympic Games, with the exact date to be revealed soon.
The Beijing Football Association announced that the Premier League rivals will revive their connections to China with full-strength line-ups being refereed by the 2010 World Cup final referee Howard Webb, and a selection of Chinese team of match officials.
Arsenal visited the Asian nation for the first time last summer and were said to be surprised at the positive reception they received, while City are becoming more well-known in the country after initally coming to the fore with the signing of China international Sun Jihai in 2002.
In an effort to have the match played at a high standard, the turf at the Bird’s Nest will be temporarily prevented from being used from July 1 until the day of the game.
The two sides will face off in the Bird’s Nest stadium, built for the 2008 Olympic Games, with the exact date to be revealed soon.
|
Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
The Beijing Football Association announced that the Premier League rivals will revive their connections to China with full-strength line-ups being refereed by the 2010 World Cup final referee Howard Webb, and a selection of Chinese team of match officials.
Arsenal visited the Asian nation for the first time last summer and were said to be surprised at the positive reception they received, while City are becoming more well-known in the country after initally coming to the fore with the signing of China international Sun Jihai in 2002.
In an effort to have the match played at a high standard, the turf at the Bird’s Nest will be temporarily prevented from being used from July 1 until the day of the game.
| Sign up with 188BET for a FREE bet up to £25 – Great Prices, Every Game |
|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
|
Inside Goal.Com
-
Welbeck convinces Hodgson he is the man to lead the line
England beat Norway 1-0 at Wembley, with the Manchester United man hitting an impressive winner to stake his claim for a starting spot at Euro 2012
-
How England player's chances were affected by Belgium victory
Ashley Young all but secured his place in the starting line-up against France while captain Steven Gerrard put a good shift in. Joe Hart, however, needs to remain focused
-
Poll: Who should have replaced Cahill in the England squad?
Martin Kelly has replaced Cahill in the Three Lions squad going to Poland and Ukraine, but would Rio Ferdinand or Micah Richards have been more deserving?
-
Cartoon: Terry & Cahill add to England's injury concerns
Goal.com cartoonist Omar Momani gives us his unique take on the football news of the day...
-
In Pictures: The best and worst kits at Euro 2012
The European Championship is just around the corner and Goal.com distinguishes between the trendy and the passe at the prestigious tournament
