Selangor have vowed to fight hard to earn a draw at Selayang Stadium on Saturday night to delay the MSL coronation of three-time defending champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).

An away victory would clinch 2017 league glory for JDT, with three games to spare, but 33-time Malaysia Cup champions Selangor have vowed not to hand them a fourth consecutive MSL title on a platter.

JDT, who hold an 11-point lead over second-placed Kedah, say they are wary of their unpredictable hosts.

"We cannot underestimate Selangor as an inconsistent team, they may be reserving their strength to give it everything they've got against us," JDT's Argentine forward Gabriel Guerra told Berita Harian.

"We will need three points to confirm the league, and have to stay focused throughout the 90 minutes."

This contest will be a tight affair, with both teams among the most in-form sides in the country.

JDT have won four of their last five matches, with the only blemish coming in the 3-2 defeat to Selangor in the Malaysia Cup on July 18 when they played an under-strength team.

Selangor have won three of their last five games. They suffered a 2-1 home loss to Sarawak in the Malaysia Cup on Wednesday, as P. Maniam started many new faces with an eye on Saturday's crunch match.

"JDT will surely put out their best players for the win, and it will be a difficult night for us. But I hope the players will give their all to at least earn a draw," Maniam said.

Meanwhile, Kedah head to Kuantan to take on third-placed Pahang, knowing that defeat or a draw will hand JDT the title, regardless of the result at Selayang Stadium.

The teams are separated by four points, so if Pahang lose, it will be almost impossible for them to overall Kedah for the runners-up spot.

Visitors Felda United will also look to heap more misery on Kelantan with victory at Sultan Muhammad IV Stadium.

The Red Warriors have suffered four consecutive losses, and face an in-form Fighters who have won their last three games.

At the bottom of the pile, Sarawak will replace Penang in last place should they lose in Kuching.

Penang looked certain relegation candidates until July, but two wins in their last three matches have brought about renewed hope.

Source:
courtesy of ESPNFC

by ESPN STAFF

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