Malaysia
Strengths: The Malaysian attack has a good combination of experience and creativity. They will surely look for an early goal to put them in a comfortable position. The presence of Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, a winner of the 2010 edition of the AFF Suzuki Cup, flanked by Sumareh, Zaquan Adha and Safawi Rasid, make the side a formidable force.
Weaknesses: Malaysia’s defense should be more calm when controlling the ball under opposition pressure. The can’t afford to make the same mistakes they did when they met Cambodia. Tan Cheng Hoe needs to remind his defensive players to focus and remain compact
Player to Watch – Safawi Rasid
Safawi Rasid was unfortunate in Malaysia’s match against Cambodia, when his attempt in the early minutes of the game struck the crossbar. Now back at the Bukit Jalil Stadium for their next game, Safawi will surely show that he has even more up his sleeve.
Laos
Strengths: Coach Sundramoorthy has plenty of experience at this level, having been here as a player and a coach of the Singaporean national team. Having a mentality to win, he will definitely set the strategy to curb Malaysian pressure. Other than that, the presence of Khonesavanh Sihavong in the middle will definitely strengthen them.
Weaknesses: The weakness of Laos’ defense was clearly visible during the match against Vietnam. The coach will definitely need to do something to address that before this game.
Player to Watch – Khonesavanh Sihavong
Sihavong is the most experienced player in the Laos camp. He will definitely want to prove something during the match against Malaysia tomorrow. He scored in the 2012 edition of the AFF Cup when playing against the Harimau Malaya, and he is no stranger to football at this level
Prediction: Malaysia 3 – 0 Laos
Aiman Nazirmuddin
Football Tribe Malaysia