THE Causeway derby returns today as Malaysia host long-time rivals Singapore at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil, a fixture that has always carried the intensity of a cup final.
Harimau Malaya, ranked world No. 125, will go into the international friendly under coach Peter Cklamovski on the back of an impressive 4-0 win over powerhouse Vietnam in an Asian Cup qualifier in Bukit Jalil on June 10.
World No. 159 Singapore are led by interim head coach Gavin Lee, and boosted by several Thailand-based players, including the Fandi brothers — Irfan, Ikhsan and Ilhan — as well as Jordan Emaviwe, Kyoga Nakamura and the Steward brothers, Ryhan and Harhys.
The last Causeway derby — the group stage of last year’s AFF Cup — saw both teams play to a goalless draw.
However, football critic Dr Zulakbal Abdul Karim believes the clash will have a winner this time with Malaysia being the favourites.
Nevertheless, he said the rivalry will remain as fierce as ever, regardless of form or ranking, when Harimau Malaya meet the Lions.
“The Malaysia-Singapore rivalry will always exist. I think it will be a tense match… it’s always a cup final feeling when Malaysia play Singapore,” said the Asian Football Confederation Professional Coaching Diploma holder.
Zulakbal said Singapore should not be underestimated, especially with naturalised and foreign-based players strengthening their squad.
“Singapore will be led by their interim coach, and obviously he will be looking for a positive result to get the job full time. I believe Singapore will have their naturalised players with them, so they are not a weak team,” he said.
Malaysia will aim to build on the momentum of their dominant win over Vietnam.
“I think this match will be a good test for Malaysia after the 4-0 win over Vietnam,” said Zulakbal.
“Cklamovski will be looking for consistency from his players. It looks like he has sorted out the tactical side in the win over Vietnam.” he said.
“The win would have reduced the pressure on the team and they are in the phase of settling in and giving a good performance.
“The challenge is to get the players ready in a short period, as the training camp against Vietnam was much longer compared to this camp.”
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
