Be Eagle-eyed
Perak on their toes against wounded Kedah
PETALING JAYA: Beware the Red Eagles with broken wings. They’re wounded and angry, and in their own backyard, they’re ready to swoop on opponents of any size.
And a forewarned Perak will be forearmed when they enter the Darulaman Stadium for the Super League match against Kedah tonight.
The Seladang coach Mehmet Durakovic admits their task to get full points doesn’t get any harder against a Kedah side who lost the Charity Shield to Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) last Saturday.
Perak were also unlucky not to get full points from their opening match after they were held to a goalless draw by Pahang at the Darul Makmur Stadium on Sunday.
“We’re playing our second away match against another title contender in three days.
“The travelling certainly takes a toll on our players,” said the former Australian international yesterday.
“Kedah played well in the Charity Shield match but ended up losing, so winning at home will be the perfect response from them.
“We broke our eight-year jinx at the Darulaman Stadium last season but things have changed this season.
“Kedah have a number of new players while we lost several players through injury. It will be a tough match for us.”
Perak may have to leave out skipper Nasir Basharuddin and midfielder Khairil Anuar Zamri as both are recovering from knee injuries and are doubtful for the trip to Alor Setar.
“Nasir and Beto (Khairil Anuar) are injured. I might have to leave them behind. I don’t want to rush their return to the team because they’re important players,” said Durakovic, also a former Selangor player.
“Fortunately, we still have players who are capable replacements for Nasir and Beto. We’ll head into the match with confidence and will try to win it.”