[MSL] Sarawak FA vs Pahang FA

The Crocs face another revenge opportunity over Pahang FA which knocked them out of the Malaysia Cup last season, and this time, it’s going to be a chance to set the record straight in Kuching.

Confidence is high in the Sarawak camp after the all important stalemate at Jalan Besar, and Pahang is a new chance for them to move higher up the ranks in the Super League.

While winning against Pahang would not make Sarawak overtake the Malaysia Cup champions in the league, a win over Zainal Abidin Hassan’s men would mean that the Crocs could go up to fourth, with Pahang’s title hopes blown up in ashes.

But of course the Tok Gajah’s are no pushovers. Their nippy wingers and rock like defenses were key to their statistical advantage over the Crocs in previous meetings.

Argentine Matías Conti and Dickson Nwakaeme are both quality imports for the Tok Gajahs, and they both feature in this season’s top five scorers of the Super League campaign.

At the flanks R.Gopinathab and R. Surendran are a handful for any defenders, with Damion Stewart and Jalaluddin Jaafar making the backline of Pahang impenetrable at times.

Sarawak would be looking at the same strike-force when they take on Pahang, with changes likely to be made in the midfield. Joseph Kalang, Junior Eldstal and S Chanturu is expected to feature in the first eleven of Robert Alberts, with Muamer Salibasic and Ryan Griffith both spreading the attack.

In defence, Robert has little options with Gabor Gyepes and Ramesh Lai sidelined, but would be glad to have a selection between Dzulazlan Ibrahim, Mafry Balang and Mazwandy Zakeria for the left and right backs.

Despite Pahang’s poor form before the break, the Crocs would be wary of a refreshed Tok Gajah side which landed in Kuching today.

That said, we expect this to be a tight affair with the Crocs perhaps winning the game with a single goal.

OUR BIASED PREDICTION: Sarawak 1-0 Pahang
Our Predicted line-up: Fadzley R, Hairol M, Dzulazlan I, Mazwandy Z, Ronny H, JKT, Sharol S, S Chanturu, Junior E, Ryan G, Muamer S.