The defending Malaysia Super League champions, LionsXII defeated the same rivals away in Selayang a week back. The champions are eager to do likewise back at home.
The face off happened just a week ago and the LionsXII and Sime Darby FC will crash again on their meeting at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Saturday evening.
The defending Malaysia Super League champions left Selayang then having gained a 2-0 triumph, another three points will do okay for Fandi Ahmad's men, as they attempt to climb up the table.
The LionsXII have now won three of their last four matches and drawn the remaining one, a run that has seen them surge to fourth.
They are now just four points behind the leader, Pahang FA at the halfway point of the league. A win on Saturday’s match against Sime Darby will put them forward towards the top position.
The form of Captain Safuwan Baharudin has been very instrumental recently with the centre-back striking for the third successive game against Sime Darby for the opening goal.
Made in resistance and a danger forthright, the 22-year-old is a key player for the LionsXII.
Another vital player is striker Khairul Amri, who finished a four-game goal drought by finally scoring the second goal.
Frequently tasked to lead the line on his own, Amri's diligent work often goes unnoticed; however, the 29-year-old's hold-up play and savage nature are critical to Fandi's strategy.
Fandi will need to choose whether to hold Madhu Mohana over Afiq Yunos at the back after playmaker, Zulfahmi Arifin ought to be in contention for a beginning compartment in the wake of missing the last game because of suspension.
The visitors will be looking to give a finer record of them than they finished back home while Coach Ismail Zakaria will be boosted by the reappearance of Uzbek attacker, Dilshod Sharofetdinov from suspension. In like manner, striker Fahrul Razi Kamaruddin and defender K.
Prabakaran will be welcomed back while new import forward, Mateo Roskam is relied upon to make his debut.
Sime Darby did demonstrate that they could inflict inconvenience against the LionsXII, who had goalkeeper, Izwan Mahbud to thank for a couple of blinding saves.
It won't be a simple ride for the hosts, who have shown they have trouble executing games off this season.
