'On paper we are favourites but the players still have to perform' - LionsXII coach V.Sundramoorthy
The former Singapore international played down worries over injuries and fitness and insisted his charges were ready for the showdown against Johor FA
By Muhd Khalis Rifhan
A win against Johor FA will ensure top spot for LionsXII in Group A of the Malaysia Cup and coach V. Sundramoorthy will certainly hope that the players wear their scoring boots come matchday, after seeing how his team had difficulties scoring last Tuesday against the same opponent.
“The boys are ready and they know the importance of this game to get maximum points and to put ourselves in a more favourable position to qualify for the knockout stages,” Sundram told Goal.com Singapore.
“Playing at home, it is important for us to go out and attack. The players must do their job, on paper we are favourites but the players still have to perform on the pitch."
The packed scheduled in the Malaysia Cup campaign has taken its toll on the fitness level of several players with injuries striking the LionsXII more frequently. Sundram feels that it is the norm all across the other teams.
“It is the same for all teams and it’s a matter of how they overcome it and take care of themselves in this period because of the back to back games and the most important thing is to be mentally ready to play the game,” said the LionsXII coach.
“Sufian will be a good addition to the team and he is getting back his fitness, so he should find himself on the bench. As for Juma'at Jantan, is recovering and hopefully he will be ready for Saturday.”
Sundram’s boys may not have scored in their two away games so far in the Malaysian Cup campaign but they can count on the home advantage to hit the back of the net as evident in their other home encounter against Selangor PKNS FC.
The game between LionsXII and Johor FA will kick off at 7.45pm at the Jalan Besar stadium on Saturday evening.
Reader's Predictions
Top 3 Predictions
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LionsXII 0-2 Johor FA
- 20.69 %
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LionsXII 4-1 Johor FA
- 13.79 %
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LionsXII 2-1 Johor FA
- 10.35 %
| Malaysia Cup (MC) | Sep 1, 2012 | LionsXII 1 - Johor FA 0 | |
| Malaysia Cup (MC) | Aug 28, 2012 | Johor FA 0 - LionsXII 0 |
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| May 27, 2013 | LionsXII 3 - PKNS FC 1 | MSL |
| May 17, 2013 | Pahang FA 1 - LionsXII 1 | MSL |
| May 11, 2013 | LionsXII 3 - T-Team FC 0 | MSL |
| May 7, 2013 | Terengganu FA 1 - LionsXII 2 | MSL |
| Apr 27, 2013 | Selangor FA 0 - LionsXII 0 | MSL |
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| Jan 25, 2013 | Johor FA 2 - Pahang FA 3 | FA |
| Sep 14, 2012 | Johor FA 2 - PKNS FC 0 | MC |
| Sep 4, 2012 | Johor Darul Takzim 1 - Johor FA 3 | MC |
| Sep 1, 2012 | LionsXII 1 - Johor FA 0 | MC |
| Aug 28, 2012 | Johor FA 0 - LionsXII 0 | MC |
| Player | Goals | Penalties | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Shahril Ishak Midfielder LionsXII |
3 | 0 |
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Khairul Amri Midfielder Tampines |
2 | 0 |
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Marlon Alex James Striker ATM |
2 | 0 |
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Agu Casmir Striker |
1 | 0 |
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Shaiful Esah Defender Tampines |
1 | 0 |
