What should we know about our opponent?
Coached by Fauzi Pilus. Out of 26 registered players, only 6 players retained from last season.
Key players?
Ali Ashfaq, Safuwan Baharudin, Andrezinho
Strength?
Last season this team fully relied on Ali Ashfaq, Mamadou Sumareh & Dramane Traore to keep themselves alive.
This trend is expected to follow this season with The Cops heavily relying on playmakers, Ali Ashfaq, lanky new signing, Safuwan Baharudin & ex-JDT2 playmaker, Andrezinho.
Weakness?
Due to the heavy reliance on import players, this team is expected to struggle if any of the key players is injured. Lacks of depth is detected in every department with an unproven defensive line.
Tactical review:
Fauzi might opt for a conventional 4-4-2 formation (Plan A) or a more adventurous 4-2-3-1 (Plan B):
Role of Key players?
Ali Ashfaq will be playing that important attacking role & will try to split up opponent defence.
Strength: Good footballing brain, composed. Weakness: Less of a team player
Safuwan Baharudin might be an attacking defender during his time with Lions XII. With his physique and scoring ability, The Cops will be utilizing him either as a striker or a midfielder.
Strength: Aerial prowess, physique & positioning. Weakness: Jack of all trade, master of none.
Andrezinho will be working hard in the heart of midfield to provide those telling passes to the two star-man upfront.
Strength: Eye for pass, technique, skillful. Weakness: Somewhat, injury prone
K. Rueben declared himself fit again and working hard to repay his new employers to give him faith. This quick footed right back will be hard to beat if he is on form.
Strength: Physique, Pace. Weakness: Injury prone.
Pre-season Preparations?
The results might not be as intimidating as how they were in 2015, but showing, a different approach of coaching and set of player plays a big role. So it is still early to judge the potential of this team.
With 1 win, 2 draws & 1 defeat, with most of the goals coming from star player Ali Ashfaq & Safuwan, this team will need to dig deep against a much tighter defensive team.
Expectation?
Not much expectation but it is good to have this team to challenge for the mid-table spot. Will be expecting goals from Ali Ashfaq & Safuwan for the rest of the season, plus they do have decent forwards in their disposal.
Past meeting against Sarawak FA
No meetings in 2014. In 2015, Sarawak lost to PDRM away at Shah Alam Stadium, 0-1, where Dramane scored for PDRM
Prediction against Sarawak?
Our Prediction:
To build up momentum for the first game, we at SarawakCrocs would like to be on the safe side. We predict both team will settle for a 2-2 draw.
