Preview: China PR Women vs. Haiti Women - prediction, team news, lineups

Haiti were edged out by England in their opening game, while China began the tournament with a narrow defeat to Denmark.

Match preview

China have featured in the knockout rounds in all of their previous six World Cup appearances, but their hopes of maintaining that 100% record received a setback in their opening game.

They looked set to pick up a point in their meeting with Denmark, before a 90th-minute header from Amalie Vangsgaard condemned the Asian champions to a 1-0 defeat.

Having claimed at least one victory in each of their six appearances at the World Cup finals, China will be hoping that they can continue that run with a win over Haiti.

However, the Steel Roses may be concerned by the fact that they have won just one of their last six games at the tournament.

With China ranked 14th in the world and 39 places above Haiti, they will go into Friday's contest as the favourites.

Haiti, meanwhile, would have been proud of the battling performance they produced in their first-ever game at the Women's World Cup finals.

Nicolas Delepine's side did not appear daunted by the prospect of facing the reigning European champions England, but they were ultimately left empty-handed following a narrow 1-0 defeat.

Kerly Theus thought she had pulled off a fine save to deny Georgia Stanway from the penalty spot, but replays showed the goalkeeper had encroached, presenting the England midfielder with a second chance to give her side a first-half lead.

Despite creating a couple of promising chances, Haiti were unable to find an equaliser, ensuring they fell to a fifth consecutive defeat.

Having conceded in each of their last eight internationals, they will know that they need to improve defensively to get a positive result against China.

China PR Women Women's World Cup form:

L

China PR Women form (all competitions):

Haiti Women Women's World Cup form:

L

Haiti Women form (all competitions):

Team News

Wang Shanshan is expected to feature in the centre of the China defence with Yao Wei, while Li Mengwen and Chen Qiaozhu will operate as the two full-backs.

After being introduced at half time against Denmark, Wang Shuang could be presented with a place in the starting lineup.

Although they were unable to find the net on Saturday, China head coach Shui Qingxia is likely to persist with the forward pairing of Wu Chengshu and Lou Jiahui.

As for the visitors, Jennyfer Limage has been ruled out of the tournament after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury against England.

With Limage unavailable, Ruthny Mathurin is expected to come into the backline and partner Tabita Joseph in central defence.

Melchie Dumornay gained plaudits for her performance on Matchday One, and she will be key to Haiti's chances of picking up a positive result on Friday.

China PR Women possible starting lineup:

Huan; Mengwen, Shanshan, Wei, Qiaozhu; Shuang, Rui, Lina, Linyan; Chengshu, Jiahui

Haiti Women possible starting lineup:

Theus; Petit-Frere, Mathurin, Joseph, K. Louis; Jeudy, Pierre-Louis; B. Louis, Dumornay, Mondesir; Borgella

We say: China PR Women 1-2 Haiti Women

Previews by email