What should we know about our opponent?
The Red Giants are coached by Zainal Abidin Hassan, a surprise replacement of Malaysia Cup winning manager, Mehmet Durakovic, who was relieved from duty. Out of 24 registered players in our list, 15 players were retained from last season by Zainal, with new additions coming from Pahang, Zainal’s former team. All the imports are new except for Robert Cornthwaite, whom was retained due to supporters’ pressure.
Key players?
Patrick Ronaldinho, Mauro Olivi, Hafiz Kamal
Strength?
Attack: Zainal Abidin Hassan is a well-known striker during his playing days and his philosophy on the team is to attack. Selangor has strengthen their attacking options to enable them to have good depth and provide the tactical gameplay he needs.
Set-Piece: Selangor will rely on set-pieces to find their goals. Hafiz Kamal especially is a free-kick specialist for the team. He already scored 2 goals from direct free-kicks this season.
Speed: With the likes of Gopinathan, Andik, Fitri, Veenod, Azrif & Raimi, this team has the potential to launch speedy counter attacks that will definately trouble the opponent.
Weakness?
Defence: Due to the heavy investments for attacking play, this team lacks the depth in defence. With Cornthwaite currently injured, it is likely that Razman & Shahrom will deputize for the lanky defender absence. These two players do not get any protection from neither the full-backs nor the midfielders. This is actually an advantage to opponent with fast forwards and tall striker
Goalkeeper: If I’m Zainal Abidin, I won’t be convinced with neither Norazlan nor Khairul Azhan. In the recent games, both goalkeepers showed poor handling. Opponent could try their luck to score from outside the penalty box.
Player Discipline: Selangor has quite a number of hot tempered players in the team, such as Patrick Ronaldinho, Nazmi Faiz, Azrif, Raimi & Hafiz. Most of these players are key players. Hafiz has already collected one yellow card in the Piala FA and one yellow card in the Liga Super. Knowing that these players love to pick up fights and make provocations, the Crocs need to be wary to keep their temper in check.
Tactical?
Zainal Abidin lines up a basic attacking 4-4-1-1 or just a basic 4-4-2. Team will be playing direct football & heavily utilizing the flanks.
Strongest first eleven with available players.
Injuries & Suspension?
Injuries: Robert Cornthwaite (doubtful), Hazwan (doubtful), Subramaniam (fitness)
Suspension: No suspension
Key player’s role?
Patrick Ronaldinho Wleh is currently scoring for fun for Selangor. Currently in all competitions, he has already netted 4 goals. Most of the goals are field goal.
Strength: Positioning, Physical strength, Finishing. Weakness: Discipline, Can be too fancy at times.
Mauro Olivi is a flamboyant second striker, who will play behind Patrick. He will be roaming and looking to create chances for the goal-scorer. Eventhough his finishing is still questionable, he will be important to create space.
Strength: Dribbling, Creative, Set piece taker. Weakness: Finishing
Hafiz Kamal will be playing in the midfield. His passes are dangerous and must be taken note of. With Hafiz around, Selangor has an advantage at dead ball situations.
Strength: Passes, Free-kick. Weakness: Hot headed, provocative
Post-Match Review?
Out of 5 games played, Selangor drew twice and won three. Scored six goals and conceded four.
Expectation?
With the current form and taking into account Selangor have been playing week in, week out recently. We will be expecting some rotation.
Past meeting?
In the last 5 meetings against Selangor in the Liga Super, Sarawak had only managed to steal one point in 2012. Current away form: L-L-D-L-L
2007: Selangor 2-1 Sarawak
2008: Selangor 4-1 Sarawak
2012: Selangor 0-0 Sarawak
2014: Selangor 4-0 Sarawak
2015: Selangor 2-0 Sarawak
Prediction for Sarawak?
We will be looking at these factors:
1. Travelling won’t be an issue this time around as Sarawak stayed back and managed to prepare for the game here in Kuala Lumpur. Only for some players might be missing home, but since this is a professional sport, we highly doubt Sarawak players will have trouble with this.
2. Selangor’s tight schedule might cause fatigue this time around, where we believe some rotation will be done. Expect Azmi, Adam, Rizal, Fitri, Veenod to feature or start.
3. Syahrul Azwari will be available again, and will likely improve Sarawak’s strike-force.
4. Playing at Selayang is just like playing at ‘home’ for Sarawak due to the high number of Sarawak supporters.
5. Current Super League record.
With those factors in mind, SarawakCrocs is optimistic this time around and predict that Sarawak might be going back with the full three points this time around with a high scoring game on our cards.
Trivia
Sarawak have been unlucky playing against Selangor eversince Liga Super was introduced in 2004. Only Robert Albert’s team manage to steal one point in 2012. This will also be the first time Sarawak play \Selangor away at Selayang Stadium in the Liga Super.
