Just bad four-tune

Selangor to rely on depleted side in clash against Kedah

PETALING JAYA: Selangor have got their backs against the wall.

The Red Giants have a big problem as they will be without four regulars for the Super League match against Kedah at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar tomorrow.

And coach P. Maniam is a worried man.

The former international said they would sorely miss skipper Razman Roslan and nippy Indonesian winger Andik Vermansyah, who are both out on suspension, as well as strikers Syahmi Safari and Adam Nor Azlin.

Syahmi and Adam are with the national Under-23 squad preparing for the AFC Under-23 qualifiers in Bangkok from July 19-23.

“It won’t be easy playing against Kedah at their home ground. It’s going to be even more difficult without our regulars,” said Maniam.

In their last meeting, both teams drew 1-1 at the Selayang Stadium on March 1.

Selangor are fourth in the 12-team standings with 23 points – ahead of Felda United on goal difference.

Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) lead the standings with 36 points – nine ahead of second-placed Kedah.

Maniam acknowledged that they’ve now reached a crucial stage in the competition, with just seven more matches to play.

That’s why he’s ruing the absence of Andik who, he said, “has made a vast difference to the team since his return in the second transfer window”.

Andik, who replaced Romanian Victor Astafei, picked up a red card in their 2-1 win over Perak in Ipoh on Tuesday.

Selangor will be banking on new signings – Spanish striker Rufino Segovia and veteran forward Mohd Amri Yahyah from Melaka – to get the goals.

Maniam’s side also have tough draw in the Malaysia Cup, having been pitted with Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT), Sarawak and Terengganu in Group D.

Selangor are second in the group with four points – behind JDT on goal difference.