The Ferrari driver is currently only two points behind the Spaniard while Ferrari holds a three-point lead over Renault in the constructors' standings.
Renault last year broke Ferrari's six-year winning streak while Alonso dethroned Schumacher after five straight titles.
Schumacher has made no secret that he wants to end his career by clinching his eighth title, which would be his sixth with Ferrari.
The German, who announced his retirement earlier this month, also wants to add Shanghai to his long record Grand Prix victories, 90 so far.
Schumacher blew a tire in the first Chinese Grand Prix three years ago and came in only 14th last, also because of tire problems.
Looking ahead to Sunday's race, Schumacher said "this year we have a complete package, I see no reasons why we shouldn't get a result".
Speaking here at the pre-race press conference, Schumacher predicted that the last three races of the season were going to be very close between Ferrari, which uses Bridgestone tires, and Renault, which mounts Michelin. "Much will depend on the characteristics of the tires and the track and our ability to choose the right mixtures each time," Schumacher observed.
In any case, the Ferrari driver said it was important to never underestimate Renault. Schumacher also brushed aside Alonso's recent remarks
that there would be more sportsmanship in Formula 1 once the Ferrari driver retired. "I don't think his words will affect anything and I don't think I have to respond to anything," Schumacher said at the press conference.
Even if Schumacher fails to win on Sunday, he will still leave his mark here because track officials have decided to name the grandstand section of the circuit after the seven times world champion.
