The upcoming Premiership league match between Charlton and Manchester City on Saturday evening has become special for Chinese fans, with a clash between Zheng Zhi and Sun Jihai expected.

This it not the first time that two Chinese will meet in the Premiership. Sun Jihai confronted another compatriot, Li Tie in a Man City - Everton game in 2003.

However, the Saturday game will be a significant battle as the two aces have found positions in the two teams: Zheng plays for Charlton as a playmaker, while Sun plays for Man City as a core in defense.

However, it is unlikely that the two will directly confront one another, since they are fielded on opposite flanks of the pitch, sina.com reports.

Zheng Zhi scored his first Premiership goal on his league debut, and has gained his manager's trust in starting regularly for the team in recent games.

Charlton is in 18th place in the 20-team league. Man City is 13th.

In earlier interviews, Zheng said the derby is very hotly-anticipated, while Sun has stressed that his only attention is paid to the match itself.

Taking three-points from the game will play a vital role in both teams' campaigns to bail out of relegation