SELANGOR will be looking to extend their unbeaten run in the Super League when the defending champions play Young Tigers A at the Shah Alam Stadium today.
Selangor have not lost a league match since their 2-0 defeat to Kelantan on Jan 29. However, they are in for a tough battle against an unpredictable Tigers side.
Coach K. Devan is aware that his side cannot afford to drop points against opponents desperately looking to bounce back from their recent slump.
"It will be a match that will test my players' character and nerves. It's also about pride as we cannot afford to drop points, especially against a junior team," said Devan yesterday.
"If we take them lightly, we will be severely punished. They are fast, fit and good in passing. Besides that, most of their players can score. We have to use our experience to get the better of them."
But Devan believes the Tigers will not want to risk injuries before their Olympic qualifying resumes in June.
"Which is more important? If you ask me, I will definitely want my players to prepare for the qualifiers. I would also prefer my players to be injury-free. Selangor will have the advantage if their priority is the Olympics," said Devan, who added that centre-back Nasriq Baharom is suspended for today's match.
In the absence of Nasriq, Selangor will bring in Yosri Dermaraju or Asraruddin Putra Omar to partner Khairul Anuar Baharom.
Selangor striker Fadzli Shaari has also recovered and is likely to start, while midfielder Bunyamin Umar will be making his return to the team after a long absence.
Tigers have not been pushing themselves too hard in the league as their priority is the Olympic qualifiers. Their last win was a 3-1 victory over T-Team on Feb 12.
Coach Ong Kim Swee has been rotating his players to avoid injuries. Tigers will again have to do without the services of centre-backs Muslim Ahmad and Faizal Muhamad, who are both injured. Fadhli Shas is expected to pair up with either Amer Saidin or Mohd Bashahrul Abu Bakar in the middle.
"I prefer to test all my players in the squad before the qualifiers. I am doing this because I don't want my regulars to get injured. Besides that, I want my fringe players to remain match fit in case I need them," said Kim Swee.
"Selangor have some of the best local players, so my boys will have a chance to gauge their form against one of the best teams in the league. We have not won a league match for a long time. Of course, I want my boys to get a good result tomorrow (today)."
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