LionsXII celebrate their victory over Negeri Sembilan (Photo courtesy of FAS)
By Keeshaanan Sundaresan (Goal.com)
While the Perak troops were significantly crestfallen after their loss to T-Team last Saturday, there was still an air of belief revolving around them. Heavily touted as underdogs before the season, Norizan Bakar's men have taken the Super League by storm, with Michal Kubala being the embodiment of their positive results so far.
Priorities will be asserted again and the Seladangs will be keen to bounce back with their sixth win of the season. However in LionsXII, they face a rather complex opponent. V. Sundramoorthy's young guns have been impressive in recent matches, including a superb home win over Charity Shield winners Negeri Sembilan, and they are likely to be more than just mere pushovers on Tuesday.
Shahril Ishak has been the heartbeat of the team so far, and the talismanic skipper could pose significant threat to the Perak defence. Sufian Anuar is another name that could continue his role upfront after an inspiring performance against Negeri Sembilan in the weekend. But suspension for midfield hardman Isa Halim could mean Shahdan Sulaiman might slip into a central midfield role and Raihan Rahman or Yasir Hanapi taking the flanks.
As for the home side, they are likely to restore K. Nanthakumar in defence, after his absence cost them dearly in that defeat to T-Team. Fahrul Razi, who has been terrific on the flanks, is doubtful for this one while Failee Ghazalee is still nursing his injury. Michal Kubala will continue to dictate the midfield alongside Shahrulnizam Mustapha, and Lazar Popovic will start alongside Akhmal Rizal Rakhli upfront.
It's definitely hard to pick a favourite in this clash and it might end up being one of those days where only one moment of agony or brilliance could be needed to settle the tie.
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