The wait is over, and the opening game is set to bring a fancied ATM FA side against Sarawak FA.
Both teams are on a different mission with the Crocs wanting to retain their super league status, while the Gladiators are aiming for the elusive title.
On paper, it would be difficult to figure which of the two teams are better because the last clash between them was in the 2011 Premier League, in which Sarawak won by the odd goal.
Ever since then, ATM went on to conquer the local football scene by winning the Premier League in 2012, and coming in second in the Malaysia Cup, before being crowned winners of the 2013 Charity Shield.
The inclusion of two new foreign imports whom are known for their attacking abilities would definitely strengthen this already well equipped side as the Gladiators look certain to feature captain Hairuddin Omar with either 2013 MSL top scorer Marlon Alex James or Argentinian Juan Arostegui.
At defense, ATM had signed Spase Dilevski to partner tireless K Reuben, while Bruno Martelotto looks set to boast the midfield with Sarawakian Venice Elphi who has the ability to produce goals when called upon hence making the Gladiators a dangerous side to play against.
But Sarawak do come into this game as a team yet to be defeated in the domestic league. Head coach of the Crocs, Robert Alberts would be glad that his team is ready to roar, and that he has only one injury listed in the squad he said ‘has enough depth’.
It is likely that Roberts would hope that the partnership of Alireza Abbasfard and Muamer Salibasic would be enough to penetrate the defensive lines of the Gladiators, although it is likely that Akmal Rizal or Milorad Janjus may just get the nod to play.
A huge pool of midfielders are at Roberts’ disposal this Saturday with the likes of S. Chanturu, Joseph Kalang Tie, Mohd Lot and Ashri Chuchu much favored for an attacking midfield. Nonetheless, Reesyafiq Alwi and Rashid Aya would also be eager to debut in the game with Junior Eldstal, Azizan Saperi and Zamri Moshidi likely to sit on the bench for this game.
Gabor Gyepes is a definite start at the defense for the Crocs, with Ronny Harun, Mafry Balang, Ramesh Lai and Hairol Mokhtar possible options to help the Hungarian stop attacks made by Marlon and co. Dzulazlan Ibrahim is said to still be lacking match fitness, while the likes of Mazwandi Zakeria and Dzulfadzli Majerah will be hoping to come in as substitutes.
It is also believed that Robert may opt to change Sarawak’s usual formation to feature more midfielders, with either Milorad or Muamer playing as an attacking midfielder.
Regardless, Sarawak would be looking to make an impression in their first game, and may just surprise some pundits whom have written them off for the game.
OUR BIASED PREDICTION: ATM FA 1-1 SARAWAK FA
Do follow us on Twitter (@SarawakCrocs & @Sarawak_FC) for live play by play during the ATM vs Sarawak match.
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