KUCHING: Sarawak will be prepared to unlock any ultradefensive approach from Penang (Pulau Pinang) when the team come to Stadium Negeri for their Super League soccer encounter today (kick-off: 8.15pm) to ‘park the bus’.
Sarawak head coach David Usop said the team are working on a tactical approach to unlock a packed defence should Penang opted to ‘set up stalls’ in front of goal.
The Crocs are eyeing a successive home victory after downing Terengganu 2-1 on Wednesday.
“Different teams have a different approach, each with their own strengths and weaknesses.
Terengganu plays open football while Penang will play a more compact formation when playing away.
I believe they could play a 4-1-4-1 formation this Saturday,” he commented on the the Crocs’ preparation against Penang, when met after the Terengganu game.
David recorded his fourth win for the Crocs this week, after taking over the helm from Datuk K Rajagobal in the away match against Perak on May 18.
Overall, David has overseen four wins, one draw and four losses in all competitions.
On the positive side, he added that veteran defender Rames Lai Ban Huat, Mohd Dzulazlan Ibrahim and midfielder Mohd Shahrol Saperi could make a return after long spells on the sideline due to injuries.
Apart from the trio, Sarawak have no injury concerns.
Sarawak should be reinforced in the defensive department after Ronny Harun made a long-awaited return on Wednesday.
Morale should be improving in the Penang camp after taking five points in their last three matches.
The island state team drew defending champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) 1-1 at home last Wednesday and beat Kedah 3-2 the previous week.
The team would surely looking to build on their good run to climb above the relegation zone.
After 16 games, Sarawak have climbed to eighth in the league with 18 points.
Penang currently sit second from the bottom, with only three points behind the Crocs.
It is interesting to note that only fi ve points separate the second last team and fi fth-placed Perak.
JDT currently top the league with 40 points, followed by Felda United at 38.
In their last Super League encounter at City Stadium in Georgetown, Sarawak beat Penang 2-1 with goals from Gilmar Jose Da Silva Filho and Partiban Janasekaran.