Preview: Johor FA vs Sarawak FA

After a long hiatus from local competitive football, the Crocs fly to Pasir Gudang to meet Johor FA in their quest to stay on top, and win the Malaysian Premier League title.

The match will see the Crocs coming in the game with flying colours, being the only undefeated side in the Malaysian Premier League, and also gaining automatic promotion to the Malaysian Super League (MSL) next season.

Johor FA however are ready to spoil Sarawak’s party as the Southern Tigers look to strengthen their position in the league and challenge current second place Sime Darby FC for the automatic slot to the MSL. News reports over West Malaysia have also revealed that Johor head coach Azmi Mohamed is confident his side is prepared to face Sarawak, as the team believes that they can sneak pass Sime Darby with a win at Pasir Gudang tomorrow.

Azmi has every reason to be optimistic about his chances when his side take on Sarawak because Johor have been brilliant at home, winning close to every match they play with a massive margin.

Johor will however be missing several key players with their top striker Juan Muriel Orlando reported to be out for at least a few months due to an ACL injury he obtained from a recent friendly.

The visiting Crocs will need to be extra careful in this game with Robert Alberts needing to plan his tactics right.  The Crocs are currently four points safe at the top, but the slightest slip may cause their winning streak to be stopped.

Sarawak do not also fare well in away games despite winning the last three matches with slim margins.

With that said, Roberts may opt not to play Zamri Morshidi which is reported to be doubtful, as he looks likely to turn to Sharol Saperi whom will be more than adequate to cover for the energetic winger.   Hardworking Joseph Kallang Tie would also be expected to return, hence providing the Crocs with enough arsenal to overpower the Southern Tigers on paper.

Regardless of that, the Crocs would again be looking at Bobby Gonzales to spearhead the attacking line, with Muamer Salibasic cleverly placed to sneak in goals behind the prolific striker from Sabah.

The midfield would be boosted by Joseph’s return, but Bwele is expected to run the midfield with the help of emerging star Junior Eldstal and Sharol Saperi.

In defence, Ronny Harun will yet again lead his solid defenders to cover the goal of Sarawak which is expected to be guarded by Sani Anuar.

The match with Johor will prove tricky for Sarawak, particularly with the heavy haze and heat challenging players fitness to the maximum.

However, the Crocs do come in this game as favourites despite Johor’s good run at home, although it is our belief that both teams would cancel out each other to a draw.

A win for Sarawak would virtually secure the Crocs the MPL title, as the game in Kuching that follows next is expected to be won.

For those unable to catch the game at Pasir Gudang, ASTRO Arena (Channel 801) will be showing the game live at 4:45PM, as we update you live over our twitter: @SarawakCrocs.