To improve league competitiveness, FAM should look from other perspective, such as the much awaited clubs and league privatisation. But today i won't say much on that issue. I will elaborate more on the privatisation issue next time.
Lets take a look on the teams competing in group D.
1. LionsXII: I don't blame them for winning the Malaysian Super League. We take the risk when we invited an invitational club into our league. Enough with the JBS pitch issue, Malaysian clubs should take extra blame for not able to compete at JBS for two seasons!
Sundramoorthy choose to play with effective football. Less beauty, but good enough to secure the three points at home and at least a point on away game.
Absorb the presure, and launch an effective counter attack is their main game plan. Shahril Ishak surely will be involved in that process, cleverly hold the ball while waiting for the supportive runs from the rest. He is the main man behind every Lions move. Clamp him down and 60% of your problem will be solved. Another threat always come from set pieces. Baihakki Khaizan and Safuwan are the main targets. Coaches needs to figure out on how to prevent their aerial threat. I predict they will march for the next stage.
Key players: Izwan Mahbud, Baihakki Khaizan, Harris Harun, Isa Halim, Shahril Ishak, Saiful Esah, Fariz Nawaz.
2. Perak: Predictably inconsistent throughout the season. It may due to injury to some of the important player such as S Chanturu. They also have problem with the foreign striker before the arrival of Paolo Rangel. Azraai Khor men usualy played with 4-4-2 direct formation, and they are quite aggresive with pressings.
If they could have an injury free squad, i believe Perak on their good day, will be a hard side to beat. I would like to see Hadi Yahya to be back on his predatory form in front of goal. It is important for any local players to improve and sometimes could outshine the foreign pros. I think Perak have slim chance to qualify.
Key players: Farizal Marlias, Rafael, Shahrulnizam Mustafa, S Chanturu, Paolo Rangel, Hadi Yahya, Yong Kong Yong
3. Sarawak: A rising team under brilliant tactician Robert Alberts. Can't wait to see them on this year's edition. Unbeaten in the premier league, i am sure Sarawak will carry on their fine form into Malaysia cup.
I am big fans of Joseph Kalang Tie, a left footed wizard who can operate on either flank, or as an attacking midfielder behind the striker. Sarawak are blessed to have this kind of intelligent player, and i believe he will be the main man to spark the attacks. With passionate supporters, i think Sarawak will acompany LionsXII to the quarter final.
Key players: Saiful Amar, Ronny Harun, Guy Bwele, Joseph Kalang Tie, Bobby Gonzales, Muamer Salibasic, Junior Eldstal, Ashri Chuchu.
4. Kedah: A sleeping giant from the north. Traditionaly one of the big sides in Malaysian football. The declining trend of Kedah may be due to management's lack of ambition or lack of funds available for quality signings.
The appointment of new Kedah FA president, Dato Seri Mukhriz Mahathir could offer some hope of revival in the near future. I also hope Kedah could make immediate return to the country's top flight.
Tacticaly, Kedah still have a decent line up. The biggest concern should be how to stop conceeding a goal. A more compact formation could be the best solution, or play with the back three can be considered as well. With current form taken into considerations, i don't think Kedah could make it.
Key players: Sabree Abu, Khyril Muhymeen, Baddrol Bakhtiar, Akmal Rizal, Alen Guc, Nelson Martin, Faizal Abu Bakar.
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