Football
Nicolas Anil 8y

JDT gunning for victory as Selangor strikers eye more goals in MSL

The Malaysia Super League (MSL) heads towards Matchday 14 just three days after the second round of matches in the 2016 Malaysia Cup.

With 11 of the 12 MSL teams battling in both competitions, rest is an afterthought as players soldier on, in hopes of three precious points.

Here are five talking points ahead of the games, which begin on Friday night in Kuching.

1.JDT keeping fresh for MSL

Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) may have dropped points against PDRM in the midweek Malaysia Cup, but that was partly due to Mario Gomez's eight changes against the Cops. But it should be business as usual for the defending champions away to lowly Sarawak on Friday. Keeping Jorge Pereyra Diaz and Martin Lucero at bay, should be high on the Crocs' checklist. With 20-goals between them, both Argentines will be expected to add to that tally in East Malaysia.

2. Kelantan growing in confidence

Before Velizar Popov took charge of Kelantan in May , the East Coast side had only three league wins to their name. But the burly Bulgarian got to know his players during the off-season, and looks to have found the right formula. Since the season restarted earlier this month, Kelantan have won two of their three games all competitions. With his front men Blaze Ilijoski and Wander Luiz on fire, strugglers Pahang could bear the brunt if the visitors lapse in defence. Given Kelantan's inspired late comeback against Selangor and Pahang's non-showing against Kuala Lumpur in the Malaysia Cup, The Red Warriors are favourites for a second win in 11 days against the same opponents.

3. Terengganu need to continue revival

The Turtles did well to recover from their 6-1 home annihilation at the hands of Kelantan in the MSL last week by ending Felda's unbeaten home record this season with a 1-0 win in the Malaysia Cup. But Terengganu, who have already rested two coaches in Ahmad Yusof and Mike Mulvey this season, have no time to rest on their laurels. Interim boss Mustaffa Kamal will, however, be confident of a win when he takes his team to struggling Perak. Victory is likely to push them into the top half of the table.

4. Keep fighting, Felda

Irfan Bakti's men look like the only team capable of stopping JDT becoming the runaway league winners. The Fighters have racked up seven wins in 10 games, an indication that they have the consistency and quality to match their illustrious table toppers all the way to the finish line. Irfan, however, must be spot on with his selections to ensure fresh legs in both competitions. Forkey Doe and Zah Rahan Krangar must first find their shooting boots against PDRM, who are proving tough opponents this season.

5. Selangor strikers back on track?

Zainal Abidin Hassan will breathe a huge sigh of relief after both Mauro Olivi and Patrick 'Ronaldinho' Wleh ended their goal drought against Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup on Wednesday night. Before that, Wleh and Olivi had last scored in April and May respectively. If the two are serious in donning the yellow and red of Selangor next season, performances like midweek must continue. Bottom side Penang will not be too perturbed though. Firstly, they are well rested ahead of Saturday's match because of the Malaysia Cup non-commitment. On top of that, they have a five-time I-League golden boot winner in Ranti Martins, who debuted with a brace in the 4-3 triumph over T-Team on July 16.

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