The Crocs training at the Stadium Negeri yesterday. -Robert Alberts
KUCHING: Robert Alberts insists that he is treating the FA Cup quarter-final second-leg match with Felda United as if the Crocs are playing against a Super League side.
While relegated to the Premier League this season, Felda United – according to Sarawak’s head coach – packs a punch like any other Super League outfit.
Among the players the Crocs will face in tonight’s home game are Shukor Adan and Indra Putra Mahayuddinn who have 44 and 41 international caps respectively.
Felda, Alberts said, have invested well in players this season and are not destined to stay in the Premier League for long.
The clash at the Stadium Negeri will decide who enters the final four in the FA Cup.
The two teams played to a scoreless draw last week.
Team Sarawak also enter the second leg match with certain handicaps.
Junior Eldstal is likely to miss the match through suspension, pending a decision from Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) disciplinary panel today after the Football Association of Sarawak (FAS) submitted an appeal yesterday.
“I believe that the team has a strong case for an appeal against the red card flashed at him last week. As far as I know, we have done everything on our part,” added Alberts.
Out due to injury are Zamri Morshidi and Milorad Janjus. Akmal Rizal Ahmad Rakhli might get the nod to start.
Reshafiq Alwi and Ramesh Lai Ban Huat, also on the injured list, will only know whether they can be match fit today.
Central defender Gabor Gyepes is also doubtful after sustaining a hard knock in the battle against Perak last Saturday.
Injured S. Chanturu, however, might recover sufficiently to make his debut in the flanks tonight.
Kick off is 8.45pm.