What should we know about our opponent?
Coached by Syamsol Saad, who took over from Vedran Simunic. Out of 27 registered players in our list, 17 players retained from last season, with the newly added players comprising of three new import, and the rest from the youth setup & the recently disbanded Harimau Muda (with Perak origin). With the average age of 26, the team is young & energetic.
Key players?
Thiago Junio, Ahmad Kharil Anuar, Hafizul Hakim
Strength?
Defence: Syamsol’s background as a defender during his playing days, reflected in his tactical approach as Perak still haven’t conceded a field goal yet. Has a well-disciplined back four, able to deliver hard tackles, provide forward pressing. The back four receives ample protection from the two defensive minded midfielder and a performing goalkeeper, hence makes Perak defences possibly one of the hardest to score against this season.
Counter-attack: Apart from being defensive, Perak owns an abundance of pacey wingers at their disposal.
Set-Piece: Perak players’ height advantage will be put to good use to trouble Sarawak during dead ball situations such as corners and free-kicks (pass). Perak also has some talented direct free-kick specialist such as Nazirul, Nurridzuan, Khairil Anuar, Erick (left footer), Thiago, Shahrul (right)
Weakness?
Injury: Perak will be missing quite a number of players due to injuries. This will no doubt disrupt the tactical approach of Syamsol. However, Syamsol does have decent replacements for every department, and won’t be worried too much.
Attack: The current import lone striker & target man, Vokhid Shodiev still struggling to score. Erick Week is also still struggling to regain his match fitness due to him missing much of Perak’s pre-season preparation. This was largely due to him being a last minute signing.
Tactical?
Syamsol Saad lines up a 4-2-3-1 or a much compact & defensive 4-5-1. Team will be mixing short & long ball passes within the game.
We highly expect Syamsol to implement counter-attacking tactics and rely on set-pieces to score and launch an attack. That said, Perak is expected to look for free-kick opportunities, whenever possible.
Injuries & Suspension?
Injuries: Zamir Selamat (ACL), Arif Ismail (Knee), Khairul Asyraf (ACL) Nor Hakim (Knee), Nasir Basharuddin (Hamstring), Hafiz Ramdan (foot), Nazirul Naim (shoulder), Elias Fernandes (Hamstring), Sukri Hamid (groin), Kenny Pallraj (calf), Rafiq Faeez (ACL), Nurridzuan (doubtful) [UPDATED]
Suspension: Nor Hakim will be serving his last suspension out of the 5 games he is currently serving.
Key player’s role?
Thiago Junio will be key in organizing the back four. His no nonsense tackling, command and influence will give Perak’s back line an extra boost of confidence.
Strength: Commanding, Influential, Composed. Weakness: Robust
Ahmad Khairil Anuar is a very hardworking midfielder and makes important and decisive runs whenever he hold the ball in the midfield.
Strength: creative, good work rate. Weakness: Close control, calmness, temperamental.
Hafizul Hakim is seen as being very confident. The signing from Melaka United showed he deserves that spot in between the post. He only conceded one goal as of now, which wasa penalty strike when Perak played against Selangor.
Strength: Reflex, aerial ability, goal-kick distance. Weakness: Handling.
Post-Match Review?
In the first Liga Super game, Perak was very solid at the back but they lack the finishing touch from their forwards. Hafizul Hakim worked hard to keep his clean sheet in the first game. He also kept Selangor strikers at bay and was a miracle worker during that game.
Expectation?
It would be difficult for Sarawak to win in Ipoh, but since this is a cup tie, anything can happen. K Rajagobal and the team would be also eager to give their fans a reason to cheer after two straight defeats in the Liga Super.
Pitch Condition?
Perak Stadium pitch would be slightly hard due to the recent dry spell in Perak. Unless it rains, expect the ball to bounce and roll a lot. Perak is expected to play a lot of long balls throughout the game.
Past meeting?
We couldn’t retrieve any past meeting against Perak in the FA Cup but since the Liga Super was started in 2004, Sarawak haven’t won a single match at Stadium Ipoh, losing the last five encounters back to back. Away form: L-L-L-L-L-L
2004: Perak 2-1 Sarawak
2006: Perak 2-1 Sarawak
2008: Perak 5-0 Sarawak
2012: Perak 2-1 Sarawak
2014: Perak 4-1 Sarawak
2015: Perak 3-1 Sarawak
Prediction against Sarawak?
Taking into account the following factors:
1. The squad will be traveling to KL on Friday evening, and will be taking a bus ride to Ipoh the same day.
2. Only morning walk & light training will be done in Ipoh.
3. Perak will have the advantage of preparation in the stadium & until today they already play 2 games in a row at home but will be losing quite a number of players due to injury.
4. Syahrul contract dispute still ongoing. No news on this yet. Syahrul inclusion will be key [UPDATED]
5. Both team misfiring strikers.
6. Perak being the bogey team at Stadium Perak.
7. Pitch factor
It is our believe at SarawakCrocs that the scoreline will differ this time around and being biased to Sarawak, with a slight touch of optimism, we are hopeful that a Sarawak will get away with a slim 1-0 win. We are confident that Sarawak will be prepared for this encounter even if it will take the game to a penalty shoot-out.
Trivia
Among the Perak players, only two players in the current Perak squad, namely Fazrul Hazli & Nor Hakim have scored against Sarawak in the past meetings at Stadium Ipoh. Unfortunately both are out injured and suspended respectively. [Updated]
