Robert Alberts has warned of a hostile reception at Perak today, and one can fully understand that since the Crocs were badly treated during the last time the came visiting Perak.
The Sarawak team has left behind Gabor Gyepes, Joseph Kalang and Rashid Aya for this game, while Fadzley Rahim made a detour to his home town to tie the knot.
This means that Sarawak will be playing with fresh legs as the likes of Mohd Lot, Ashri Chuchu, Mazwandi Zakeria, Dzulazlan Ibrahim, Sani Anuar and Akmal Rizal make the possible starting line-up.
Robert will be excited to extend his winning ways, and hopes that another victory against Perak will secure his team a spot in the Super League next season. Nonetheless, he knows he has an uphill task with his defenders prone to creating dangerous blunders of late. That said, it is likely that Robert will retain his favourite back four for this game, hence keeping the likes of Dzulazlan and Mazwandi again at the bench. Word however has it that Ronny Harun is doubtful for the game, hence opening room for Mazwandi to start.
The engine room of the Crocs has also suffered in the past few games due to suspension and drop of form. To this, Robert will be looking at either Mohd Lot or Sharol Saperi to boast the midfield with Junior Elstal although veteran Sharol Saperi looks the to be the first choice.
Upfront, the partnership of Hassan Mohammad and Ryan Griffith has proven to be disastrous, with Muamer Salibasic still struggling to regain his best match fitness. Nonetheless, Robert is expected to start Muamer this time to ensure the Crocs take an early lead in the crucial game. Hassan might just start as a flanker at Rashid’s possition, while S Chanturu retails his fast runs on the left.
Perak on the other hand had their winning streak of two broken by Kelantan last weekend. The relegation battlers are hoping a good result against Sarawak would help them stay clear of the danger zone although they know that the Crocs will not give in easily.
The young Perak side are inconsistent at home, but their latest foreign imports have so far proven to bring more quality to the side known as The Boss Gaurus.
The spotlight therefore will be on Nigerian Abdulafees Abdulsalam and Brazilian Marco Tulio Lopes Silva whom has both found the back of the net since they were signed in April. Another player, Milan Purovic has also been said to be very influential on the pitch, and must be closed down if the Crocs were to gain anything from this game.
Other than that, the appointment of Karl-Heinz Weigang as the technical Director for Perak must not be treated lightly since he is said to be the key tactician behind Perak’s recent uprising.
Sarawak and Perak will both be looking for the full three points, and Perak’s home advantage might see them winning this tie. Nonetheless, we feel that Sarawak is motivated enough to secure at least one point with Muamer eager to catch up in the top goal scorer tally. That said, we believe the Crocs has what it takes to win this game.
OUR BIASED PREDICTION: Perak FA 0-3 Sarawak FA
Prediction line-up for Sarawak: Sani A, Hairol M, Mazwandi Z, Ramesh L, Mafry B, Junior E, Sharol S, Muamer S, S Chanturu, Hassan M, Ryan G
