NEGRI SEMBILAN BEWARE OF THE BEES - MATCH PREVIEW 2

MATCH PREVIEW 2


DEFENDING champions Negri Sembilan could fall into their own trap if they treat the southern club side Johor FC lightly in first leg of the Malaysia Cup semi-final at Paroi Stadium tomorrow night. The Deers looks far much superior than their opponent in terms of the quality of players. But Johor FC made it up with their hard running workman like approach in their game that brought them to this stage so far.

Johor FC coach Azuan Zain giving instructions pix by Utusan

Johor FC had to pay heavy price for their hard running playing style with three of their regulars Eddy Helmi Manan, Mohd Khairul Ismail and Mohd Rashid Mohd Aya are still suffering  from their injuries and might just not recover in time to play for the first leg. Still they have capable replacement to do the job.

Negri will be in shock if they think Johor FC will adopt a far more defensive approach. Head coach Azuan Zain said, his side has been playing the same kind of style since taking over the team that brought them into the semi-final. So there is no way he is going to change it this time. 
 

Despite to that, the Johor FC coach also realised they are up against totally a different kind of opponent  that boost with some experience players in their sides and his game plan could backfired. But that will not dampened his team spirit for they are not afraid of giving their opposition runs for their money. At times Azuan Zain's men looks capable of getting the result. Even Kedah struggles against them in their group match which is a draw will surely benefit them in the return leg at home.

Negri players in training

For that reason Negri head coach warns his players to play to their normal game and work very hard towards getting an early goal to boost their chances. He said, Negri need to score an early goal to unsettle their opponent game plan. With a goal down they will be under tremendous pressure to attack searching for an away goal to bring back home in the second leg. Which the Deers could not afford to give. If it does then they will expect a tough going journey in Johor Bharu.


Negri will certainly rely on their on their quick counter attack which has been prevails in their previous  matches during their Malaysia Cup group campaign. With Idris Karim suspended for this match, Negri will be banking on midfielder Abdul Halim Zainal, Ching Hong Aik and Rezal Zambry Yahya to hold the team together.


For the record in their last previous meeting this season Negri have they edge. They met four times with Negri Sembilan winning both in the FA Cup on 7-5 aggregate and scoreless draw at  home and away in the Super League match.