Sarawak welcome Negeri Sembilan at Stadium Petra Jaya tomorrow. Sarawak go into the game after a credible 0-0 draw with Selangor at Bukit Jalil last week while Negeri Sembilan saw off Felda United’s challenge with a 1-0 win.
Sarawak’s draw can be seen as two points dropped instead of a point gained with poor finishing being their downfall. Clamor for a new striker prompted Sarawak to consider Vedran Muratovic, a veteran Croat, late last week as a replacement for injured Kalle Sone. Rather than a probable expensive signing, the team could probably look within themselves to solve their striking problems. They have the ability to create chances and get into good positions but lack the composure to put the ball into the net.
The only other concern for Sarawak apart from their run of playing two matches without scoring is the injury to starting goalie, Saiful Amar Sudan. While it was reported that Robert Alberts believes Sani Annuar Kamsani will be an adequate cover in between the two posts, Sani’s performances last season will give anything but confidence. A competent shotstopper, Sani has the inability to rush off his line when situations demand it, often leaving it to his defenders to dash back and help him out. Alberts must be praying Sani shakes off his injury and is able to take his place on the field.
Alberts must also be pondering how best to handle Ravindran. He has the pace and strength to wear down defenders but his biggest impacts in games have been when called on from the subs bench.
Negeri Sembilan will be missing Malaysian international, S Kunanlan, having seeing red against Felda United. They will still have Shukor Adnan and Cameroon import, Jean-Emmanuel Effa Owona who scored two goals in their 2-1 against Kelantan in the Charity Shield earlier this month. Jean-Emmanuel, age 28, is well-traveled having played with nine different teams in Turkey, France and Qatar before joining Negeri Sembilan.
Sarawak are 9th with four points from four games while Negeri Sembilan are up in 5th with seven points. A two goal winning margin for Sarawak will see them leapfrog Negeri Sembilan. Kelantan top the table and are the only unbeaten team left after four games.
Match Prediction: 3-1 Sarawak
Round 5 Full Fixture List
Friday 27/1/2012
PKNS vs Sabah
Saturday 28/1/2012
Felda Unites vs Perak
PBDKT T-Team vs Selangor
Singapore Lions XII vs Terengganu
Sarawak vs Negeri Sembilan
Kelantan vs Kuala Lumpur
Kedah vs Johor FC
