It has been a struggle for the LionsXII when they play games under the afternoon heat prior to the game this afternoon and the team is still without a win from three ties of such. While their home form is second to none in the Malaysia Super League (MSL), LionsXII have not been spectacular on their travels, notching only a solitary win from eight away matches in all competitions. The only win away from home this season came on the opening day of the season when Shahril Ishak's strike sank ATM FA in Paroi.
When the game against Terengganu kicks off, there is only one wish on LionsXII's coach V Sundramoorthy's mind. He is hoping for his boys to raise their game, and to come home with maximum points from this tricky tie.
"It is not going to be easy (against Terengganu) because they will likely have a set of vocal home crowd behind them," Sundram told aXrosstheline.com during the last training session on Monday before the team departed for Terengganu.
"It is up to us to lift our level of performance against them. The team is young and the players are hungry for success. They boys also have the desire to win and that is important," he added.
Sundram believes that the absence of Effa Owana (injured) and Ashaari Shamsuddin (suspended) will be damaging for the hosts, but he is not taking his opponent lightly.
"The loss of Effa Owana (to injury) is a big blow to them, but they are still a strong side especially when they play at home. Ashaari Shamsuddin is another key player who will be missing due to suspension. Despite that, we cannot afford to take them lightly," he said.
The rescheduling of the tie between LionsXII and Selangor PKNS supposedly scheduled over the weekend due to the Malaysia General Elections was a blessing in disguise for the team according to Sundram as they had ample time to prepare for this game against Terengganu.
The postponement of the PKNS game is a blessing in disguise for us," said the former Singapore international who is fondly known by the fans as the dazzler.
"With the change in date, my players were able to rest well and prepare for this game. They are all fresh," he added.
Terengganu's head Coach E Elavarasan admitted that his team will miss the services of Effa Owana and Ashaari Shamsuddin but he believes that other players in his team are capable of doing the job for him and he revealed that it could be Manaf Mamat who could cause damage to LionsXII.
"We will miss Effa and Ashaari, no doubt," the coach (picture above) said.
"But in 90 minutes of football, to score, you need just one player to be in the right place at the right time for only five seconds.
"Abdul Manaf is our main man. He hasn't been in scoring form, but his experience will be vital for us," he added.
One needs no reminder on how strong the LionsXII are this season in the MSL and Elavarasan believes that it will be difficult to overcome the LionsXII despite their poor away form. He also believes that the reason why LionsXII are currently heading the MSL is due to Sundram's emphasis on tactical discipline of his team.
"Beating the LionsXII won't be easy," he said.
"People have told me that they struggle especially when they play under the afternoon sun (today's kick off is at 4.45pm), but they are very strong tactically. (Coach) Sundram is very focused on team discipline and fitness – that's how the LionsXII are so consistent.
"The game will be a touch-and-go affair. Both teams have a lot of respect for each other," he added.
The game between LionsXII and Terengganu will be televised on StarHub SuperSports Arena from 430pm.
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