Penang FA come to Kuching with hope that their extended record in the FA Cup would translate into something when they face the Crocs tonight.
With tickets being sold fast at ticketing outlets, one can be assured that Stadium Negeri would be roaring with the spirit of ‘Ngap Sayot’ as the new blend of players in the Sarawak squad get a true taste of what it feels to be playing for a side whom has one of the most passionate fans in Malaysia.
For many fans, the defeat of Sarawak in the Super League opener was just a ‘hick-up’ which would be forgotten, but for the likes of Milorad Janjus, Gybor Gyepes, Alireza Abbasfard, Akmal Rizal, Rashid Aya, S. Chanturu, Mohd Lot, Fadzley Rahim, and Reesyafiq Alwi, it would be a place for them to win the hearts and support of their loving home fans before the big game against Kelantan comes this Saturday.
Sarawak head coach Robert Alberts has hinted in local printed media that he was far from pleased with the finishing presented by his team in the previous game, hence making us believe that he would most likely pair both Alireza and Milorad up-front for the first time this season.
In midfield, the likes of Mohd Lot, Reesyafiq Alwi, Joseph Kalang and Rashid Aya would most probably make the cut as Robert looks to make an impressing in front of his passionate home fans.
The defence line is also expected to feature the same line-up used against ATM, with Fadzley Rahim most probably given his debut game as Sarawak’s goalkeeper.
For Premier League side Penang FA, the strength of two Koreans would ensure the team put up a gallant fight against the Crocs, with their import Brazillian striker Hilton Moreira assured a start if he is fit to play.
Other than the foreign players, Penang would also be expecting former Crocs striker, Azizan Baba to perform against his previous team.
Nonetheless, record does show that the Panthers do not perform well in Kuching with the last ten games played between the teams in Kuching only favouring the visiting side once. In fact, the last two encounters between both teams way back in 2011 saw Penang trashed by Sarawak 5-0 in Kuching, and 4-0 in Batu Kawan.
Despite the statistics, Robert Alberts has stated that he is wary of Penang‘s counter-attacking ability, and is looking forward to ensure Sarawak moves to the next round of the FA Cup.
OUR BIASED PREDICTION: SARAWAK 3-0 PENANG
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