It’s now down to this game, and both Perak and Sarawak know what a win would do to their fortunes in the Malaysia Cup. Sarawak can’t loose, and Perak must win.
The Crocs are wounded with the defeat against Lions XII last Wednesday, and have less rest if compared to their West Malaysian counterpart, Perak.
Robert Alberts has already made known that his biggest worry is fatigue among his players, but the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) is not bothered with what Sarawak has to say.
Perak shares similar fate with Sarawak last Tuesday, faltering to a re-surging Kedah side. However, the team which is known to need help from firecrackers to win their games, will be eager to seal their spot at the expense of the Crocs at Stadium Negeri.
Unfortunately however, the side coached by Azraai Khor is reported to be missing M. Sivakumar and Suppiah Chanturu who are vital to the engine room of Perak. With the duo gone, Sarawak may just have an added advantage as their midfield would be back at its best with the likes of Junior Eldstal, Guy Bwele, Joseph Kallang and Ashri Chuchu making their presence felt.
At attack, Paolo Rangel remains the main threat for Sarawak, but the solid four of the Crocs is expected to be more than ready to absorb any attacks coming in.
Up-front, Bobby is expected to start, but Roberts may opt to push Zamri Morshidi forward with the return of Ashri to the Crocs. Muamer Salibasic will most probably play a more supporting role up-front, but the Bosnian needs to be wary of collecting yellow cards because he is looking at a suspension shall he foolishly challenge the referee yet again.
The game will start at 8:45PM with a full house roaring behind the Crocs yet again expected at Stadium Negeri. The #BolaTanpaMercun campaign initiated will go through its first test today too, as Sarawak try to eradicate the use of firecrackers during their football games.
OUR BIASED PREDICTION: SARAWAK FA 2-0 PERAK FA
For those unable to catch the game live on RTM1, feel free to follow @SarawakCrocs and @Sarawak_FC for live tweet updates, although it was already mentioned that having network coverage will be a challenge when the stadium is packed.
