Southeast Asia Malaysia

2018 AFF Cup – Malaysia vs Myanmar Match Preview

Malaysia

Strengths: Malaysia will play in front of the home fans will surely use this to their advantage. It is expected that the Bukit Jalil will host 40,000 Harimau Malaya fans, who will be in full support of the team for this crucial match. The motivation and support from the fans is urgently needed today.

Weaknesses: Malaysia needs a win, and that added pressure may lead them to make silly mistakes, which they must avoid.  A specific worry is that Malaysia’s defence look is shaky and unbalanced. Despite playing well with Vietnam, the hosts will need to improve quickly if they are to secure progression to the knockout stage.

Player to watch – Norshahrul Idlan Talaha

Norshahrul will surely be the trigger which will allow Malaysia’s to rise in to the game. He was seen as an old horse at the start of the campaign by a handful of supporters, but his contribution has been crucial in helping Harimau Malaya thus far. The 32-year-old has scored three goals during the AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 campaign, and may need to add to that tally if Malaysia are to progress.

 

Myanmar

Strengths: Myanmar lead Malaysia by one point when they successfully tie Vietnam. As such, the visitors are in second place and only need a draw if they want to qualify for the next stage. The side have shown immense counter-attacking ability in the tournament so far, and could play a defensive game and hurt Malaysia on the break through the talent of of Aung Thu.

Weaknesses: So far, Myanmar’s troops have failed to translate their opportunities into goals. In the last match, Myanmar had 11 attempts at Vietnam’s goal, yet they were unable to score.

Players To Watch – Aung Thu

The 22-year-old, who plays with the Thai League with Police Tero FC, will definitely be the player who can make a major impact on this game. After netting an impressive 11 goals in the Thai League last season, he Malaysia’s defence will need to be on their guard if they are to keep the diminutive attacker at bay.   He who has scored 11 goals for the Tero FC Police team will come down with his reputation as a striking attacker.

 

Aiman Nazirmuddin

Football Tribe Malaysia