A number of former national coaches believe national coach Datuk K. Rajagobal has an 'ace in the pack' to beat Singapore in their 2014 Asia Zone World Cup Qualifier at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore on Saturday.
Former National coach B. Sathianathan said Malaysia has its own reputation as the Asean champion and capable of beating the causeway neighbour.
"The young players in the team have proven their capabilities by performing exceptionally well to win the AFF Suzuki Cup in 2010...going in with that reputation itself will be enough to unnerve Singapore," he said.
"When I was the coach, we played to a 2-2 draw against Singapore in a friendly back in November 2008...and looking at the Singapore team, the players are the same, so with a better prepared Malaysian side and new coach, it is not impossible to beat them."
Sathianathan, the national coach from 2007 to 2009, who later led Kelantan to a historic Malaysia Cup victory last year said the current Singapore team was not as formidable as the team that won the AFF Cup in 2007.
Negeri Sembilan caoch Azrai Khor Abdullah said the two friendly matches against English Premier League clubs Arsenal and Liverpool was a good preparation for the match against Singapore.
"We can use the results of the match as a yardstick to gauge the national team although the clubs were in a different level. What is important is that the weaknesses were identified and can be rectified before the match," he said.
"Goalkeeper Khairul Fahmi Che Mat may have conceded many goals during the two friend lies but I believe it will not affect his performance or confidence. The best will come from him."
Pleased with the performances of Safiq Rahim and S. Kunalan, Azrai said the understanding among the players has improved tremendously while striker Safee Sali's lethal form would be an important factor in Malaysia's win.
Meanwhile, former international and now the coach of Pahang, Dollah Salleh also expressed confidence and predicted a win for the national side.
"We could see from the two friendly matches against EPL clubs Arsenal and Liverpool that the players are fast and skillful. This will be Malaysia's weapon against Singapore," he said.
"I am not worried about the midfield or strike force because they have done exceptionally well against strong opponents. My only concern is the defence but I hope they can eliminate simple mistakes to strengthen themselves."
Dollah added that he had not seen such a formidable national team for a long time and believes Rajagobal has a strategy to overcome Singapore.
Malaysia advanced to the second round of the 2014 World Cup Qualifier from the Asia Zone on away goals rule, after a 4-4 aggregate score against Taiwan.
Singapore received a bye in the first round after having qualified for the third round of the 2010 World Cup Qualifier.
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