Pahang is set to come out with all guns blazing when they entertain Sarawak at the first leg semi-finals in Kuantan as coach Dollah Salleh has said that he wants a two to three goal cushion before coming to Kuching.
His confidence must have gone sky rockets when Robert Alberts, the head coach of Sarawak said that Pahang are favourites.
But the fans of the Crocs are thinking otherwise with confidence that the Crocs will go to Shah Alam certain, as many have already purchased their flights from Sarawak to Kuala Lumpur with a month left for the Malaysia Cup finals.
Pahang are of course no pushovers as they come from the Super League, with a reputation of being title contenders only to drop out at the last few rounds due to unknown reasons.
The squad plays with two fast flankers in Surendran Ravindran & Gopinathan Ramanchandra as the Elephants look to utilize Damion Delano Stewart and Matias Conti’s height at set pieces. According to our scouting report, both flankers are usually used to pull out defenders hence allowing little defenders against the likes of Conti and Fauzi Rozlan.
The defence of Pahang is also rock solid with experienced well intact among their ageing defenders. Aside from that, Dollah has been integral in making the whole team play as a unit, hence making them a very dangerous side to play against.
But all is not rosy about Pahang as rumours say that dangerous midfielder Amirulhadi Zainal and solid defender Razman Roslan are both injured for the up-coming fixture.
On the Crocs side however, fitness seems to be the least of Robert Alberts concern as his team is well rested and ready to roar. Nonetheless, Sarawak will be without influential midfielder Joseph Kallang Tie due to suspension with Ronny Harun also doubtful.
It is widely expected that Ashri Chuchu may take over Joseph’s role, although Roberts may prefer to play captain Sharol Saperi instead. The rest of the line up is expected to be similar to the one booting Sime Darby FC out of the Malaysia Cup, but ALberts is highly anticipated to defend at Darulaman, and settle the qualification to the finals in Kuching.
With that said, it is widely expected that both teams will be extra careful in this game, with Pahang having a slight edge over their opponents due to home advantage.
OUR BIASED PREDICTION: PAHANG 1-1 SARAWAK
