What should we know about our opponent?
Felda United has been coached by Irfan Bakti Abu Salim since 2013 and has retained 16 out of the 25 registered players in my list. This rings stability.
Key players?
Zah Rahan Krangar, Lutfulla Turayev, Shukor Adan
Strength?
Irfan Bakti’s side has always been known as a challenger for any tournament they’re in. With the likes of Zah Rahan pulling the strings, a line-up of familiar faces with international experience is key strength to this team.
Since this team does not have any proper home/away base, playing away is not an issue for Felda United. A decent number of depth in every department is also a bonus for this team.
Weakness?
New players that recently arrived may have trouble adapting to the weather. Other than that, the only thing that will disrupt Felda United’s game play is the off field issue. Only some injuries & unfit players noticed at the moment with Thiago Augusto (out for 6 month), with Ferris Danial, Aizulridzwan, Norfazly & Ridzuan all missing from the previous game which had 18 players in the line-up.
Tactical?
Irfan Bakti lines up a balanced 4-4-1-1 (It could be 4-2-3-1). This is a tactic meant for build-up play with two holding midfielders closing the midfield and utilizing speedy flankers such as Hadin & Jayaseelan. This tactic is vital with Zah Rahan on the team as he would play as a free role playmaker, hence giving him the freedom to create space and provide support to the lone striker.
Key players role?
Zah Rahan will be a key role in creating attacking opportunities. His defending capabilities will see him splitting passes & his mazy runs will create a headache for Sarawak’s defenders.
Strength: Good footballing intelligence, composed.Weakness: Opponent attack will be useless if his movement is shadowed
Lutfulla Turayev is new to the local football industry, but his strike against Kedah is something to worry about.
Strength: Long shot, positioning.
Weakness: Still adapting to the league.
Shukor Adan, is a very influential figure in this FELDA team. Mr Reliable eversince playing that center back role.
Strength: Experienced, Calm, Composed, Influential.
Weakness: Slow aging legs.
Post-Match Review?
The result at Bandar Jengka was expected although Felda did have home crowd advantage for the first time. Turayev scored a screamer after receiving a pass from Zah Rahan, & Zah Rahan converted a penalty to give FELDA the 2-0 win against 2016 Premier League Champions & Malaysia Cup Finalist. Syahid, Hasnizaidi & Gilberto were booked in this match.
Expectation?
To ask Sarawak for the win against a stable side like Felda United is too much to ask for, even if we are playing at home. If Ndumba Makeche and Gilmar Filho can pick themselves up after that defeat and start scoring, a win is possible. There are injury worries, but let’s hope these injuries won’t dampen the changes & progress Rajagobal has made to the team.
Past meeting?
2015: Sarawak lost to FELDA at home by 0-2. Goals scored by Jayaseelan & Thiago. Both players still playing with FELDA this season
2014: Sarawak drew 2-2 with FELDA. Joseph & Akmal on the scoresheet for Sarawak; eventually both players are no longer with Sarawak. FELDA goals were both scored by Zah Rahan, who is still with FELDA this season.
2013: No meetings
2012: Sarawak won 2-1 against FELDA, with V. Muratovic & Ashri Chuchu on the scoresheet for Sarawak, & Firdaus Faudzi scoring for FELDA. This was the last time Sarawak won at home against FELDA.
Prediction against Sarawak?
Taking into account the following factors:
1. The squad will be travelling back from Melaka on Sunday, arriving in Kuching later in the afternoon.
2. Having one day rest spent on travelling & to resume full training on Monday to prepare for Tuesday’s game.
3. FELDA will be enjoying one day rest on Sunday & travels to Kuching on Monday & resume light training where ever possible.
4. Syahrul contract dispute might be resolved or might be not, injuries to influential characters, Hairol (groin), Shreen (unknown, missing last game), Shahrol (groin).
5. Past record & knowing Bobby Gonzales making it a habit scoring against Sarawak.
It is our believe at SarawakCrocs.com that the FELDA UNITED will come away with a slim victory. Although we are greatly biased towards Sarawak and would like for a different result, logic and statistics, including the current state the team points towards a negative home result for the Crocs. This is of course unless Gilmar and Makeche do start delivering the goals, and hence things might be different.
