MALAYSIA akan bertemu pasukan Singapura pada jam 7.30 malam ini di Stadium Jalan Besar untuk perlawanan persahabatan ke 4, bertemu Filipina (keputusan 1-1 dan 0-0) dan Sri Lanka (keputusan 6-0). Rekod pertemuan dua pasukan menyaksikan Malaysia hanya menang satu perlawanan daripada lapan pertemuan mereka.
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DERBY: Rajagobal's men charged up to face Lions
CAUSEWAY rivals Malaysia and Singapore will be eager to record a favorable result when they face off in an 'A' international first leg friendly at Jalan Besar Stadium today (7.30pm).
The odds, however, appear to be stacked against Malaysia as they have only beaten Singapore once in their last eight meetings.
National coach K. Rajagobal said his team will be psyched up to make a strong impression.
"It's a local derby and this match has generated much excitement. My players will be motivated," said Rajagobal yesterday.
"Both teams will be saying the same thing; we're hoping for a good match and both coaches will want to win."
It will be Malaysia's fourth international of the year following matches against the Philippines (1-1 and 0-0) and Sri Lanka (6-0) while Singapore have lost their last seven matches.
Both teams need a good result today and again on Tuesday in the return leg as motivation ahead of the AFF Cup in November.
Rajagobal is expected to name an experienced line-up today unlike last week's match against the Philippines, where he left out several seasoned campaigners from Kelantan, who had just reported for training due to club commitments.
Khairul Fahmi Che Mat is set to regain his place between the posts with the support of a strong defence, led by either S. Subramaniam or Fadhli Shas while captain Safiq Rahim, who has been having a poor season of late, will marshal the midfield to supply strikers Safee Sali and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha the opportunities.
Singapore coach Radojko Avramovic has admitted that there will be added pressure on his side to get a result today.
"I think it's a good opportunity to play a match which is similar to a local derby. It's good to have that bit of rivalry -- it's good for both football in Singapore and Malaysia, but it should always remain healthy competition," said Avramovic.
Singapore centre-back Baihakki Khaizan will captain the side in the absence of the injured Shahril Ishak.
AJITPAL SINGH | ajitpalsingh@nst.com.my
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