BACK FOR BIG CLASH
KL hitman De Paula ready for Terengganu job
PREMIER League top scorer Guilherme De Paula is set to return in a top-of-the-table clash against Terengganu in Selayang today as Kuala Lumpur look to take step closer to returning to the Super League for the first time since 2012.
De Paula, who has banged in 20 goals in KL’s march to the top of the standings on the back of an eight-match winning run in the league, was rested during Tuesday’s 0-0 Malaysia Cup draw with PKNS.
KL coach Fabio Magrao made eight changes for the midweek fixture in anticipation of today’s crucial match with KL leading by a point from Terengganu.
Negri Sembilan and Perak SEDC are also within range of KL with the top four teams separated by just four points.
“It will be an amazing game between two great teams fighting it out at the top of the table,” said Magrao, who has suffered only one defeat — against Perak — in 11 matches in all competitons since being appointed in March.
“We know our responsibility, we are at home, we know it will be a difficult game but we are prepared for that.
“That’s why I made a lot of changes because I want all my players to be fresh for Friday when we need a good result.”
Among those expected back in the first XI are De Paula and strike partner Paulo Josue, defenders Helmi Remeli, Zaiful Hakim and Azmeer Yusof, midfielder Zhafri Yahya and winger Hafiz Johar.
“I made eight changes (against PKNS) to save energy,” said Magrao. I have some players who have not played much so I chose not to put De Paula in.
“There are also players who are tired but it’s a point for us and now we have to recover the players for the next game.”
The cleansheet against PKNS came as a welcome relief after conceding five goals in their last two outings against Negri (3-2) and Kuantan (6-3) despite KL having the second-best defence in the league.
“The goals we conceded were in the last five minutes of games,” said Magrao.
“Against Negri we led 3-0 before two goals in the last five minutes.
“Against Kuantan we opened a 6-1 lead and it’s normal for a team to relax.
“At end of the game I pushed them to keep the ball but it’s normal for concentration to go down and we conceded two late goals.
“But I’m confident with my team and we know our responsibility to keep the lead in the
Premier League and keep fighting for the Malaysia Cup.”
Should either KL or Terengganu or both, drop points, Negri will be looking to pounce at Paroi against Kuantan while Perak SEDC will be seeking three points against Armed Forces in Tanjung Malim.