Omar Zin
Football Tribe Malaysia
Predicting Malaysia Super League is never an easy job but as the league kicks off this week, it becomes clear as to who will be champion and who will be relegated this season.
This season, all 12 teams will be categorized to title challengers, mid-table teams and relegation contenders.
Football Tribe brings you the predictions:
Title challengers
Johor Darul Ta’zim – Arguably the strongest team in the league, this season they have added former Kedah midfielder Liridon Krasniqi and Pahang captain Matthew Davies and a new Sultan Ibrahim Stadium. After winning six league titles in a row, they are expected to win for the seventh time this year.
Kedah – The Red Eagles could seriously challenge JDT in the league at the moment after adding two strike-force Kpah Sherman and Kipre Tchetche who scored more than 50 goals between them last season. They also added former Ratchaburi midfielder, Amin Nazari and national defender Irfan Zakaria. If they can find a way to be consistent in the entire season, they might nick the title after all.
Selangor – The Giants are trying very hard to return to their former glory. Under new management, its a breath of fresh air for Selangor especially after signing national team star Brendan Gan and Singaporean player Safuwan Baharudin. They impressively finished in 3rd place last season, despite boasting no big-name players. That is something they want to emulate this season.
Perak – They were surprised by the sudden departure of Brendan Gan and former captain Nasir Basharudin in pre-season, but later gained momentum by the signing of lethal striker Guilherme de Paula, Cambodian international Thierry Chantha Bin and Australian defender Anthony Golec. Their coach Mehmet Durakovic aimed to be in the top 3 this season.
