GOALKEEPER
MALAYSIA (8) SINGAPORE (7)
BOTH have good goalkeepers but I will plum for Khairul Fahmi Che Mat. He is young and has proven himself on the big stage at the Asian Games and the Suzuki Cup Asean Football Federation (AFF) Championships. Lionel is a veteran but is making a comeback from injury.
DEFENCE
MALAYSIA (7) SINGAPORE (8)
GOING by the rfist-leg result at the Jalan Besar Stadium, both teams are quite vulnerable at the back. Singapore look more organised in this department, with Daniel Bennett and Jumaat Jantan quite stable. The Malaysian defence did well at the Asian Games in Guangzhou and the Suzuki Cup but look shaky in recent times. They have to buck up in the second leg but Mohd Aidil Zafuan’s return from injury is a good boost.
MIDFIELD
MALAYSIA (8) SINGAPORE (8)
THIS is my favourite department and I feel that both teams have strong and energetic players. Malaysia get full marks for their high work rate, especially S.Kunalan on the left-flank. The only setback is that t hey will miss inspirational skipper Safiq Rahim, who is suspended. Singapore have experienced hands in Mustafic Fahrudin, skipper Shahril Ishak and their twin flankers Qiu Li and Shi Jiayi.
STRIKER
MALAYSIA (8) SINGAPORE (9)
SINGAPORE have proven to be hot in their finishing. Towering striker Aleksandar Duric has strong credentials and will be a handful for the Malaysian defence with his powerful shots. Malaysia have Mohd Safee Sali and he has done well but we won’t have depth with Norshahrul Idlan Talaha out with a hamstring injury.
VERDICT: Malaysia 2 Singapore 0
MALAYSIA should win with the strong 90,000 ho me fans behind them at the National Stadium in Bukit Jalil. I have been in this type of situations before and, believe me, the fans can give the home team a terrific lift!
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