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| PROBABLE FIRST-11 PLAYERS … Michael William Baird (left) and Razlan Oto (right). |
He said they need to make a quick rebound following their 0-1 defeat to Singapore’s Lions XII in their last home game last week.
“We have to make amends in this game. I think it is going to be a tough game, but it leaves us with no other choice but to try to steal at least a point,” said Justin yesterday.
The Sabah head coach said failing to do the job will put the team under pressure.
He believes that as long as the players put their combined efforts into the game, their chances of getting their desired result will be greater.
“They are a good side. They have been together under Abdul Rahman Ibrahim (former national coach) for almost four years now. They have reinforced their squad with new signings, so we have to give our best in order to get the result,” he added.
Justin also hinted of making a tactical plan as he bids to humble their opponents.
With the absence of Mafry Balang, who was red carded against Singapore, Justin is also likely to make a minor reshuffle to his first team players.
However, Justin was reluctant to reveal what he has under his sleeves, apart from naming his probable first team.
He said he is likely to retain Azizon Abd Kadir as his ball-stopper while Rosdin Wasli is expected to fill in the vacuum left by Mafry with Md Reithudin Ag Emran, Mohd Fariss Azlan Mat Isa and Ronny Harun retained in the first team.
Sumardi Hajalan will also start the game, but is likely to be given a new role.
Radzi Mohd Hussin, who did not feature in the last two games, is also expected to make the first team squad so as Shahrul Azhar Ture and Razlan Oto.
Foreign signings Michael William Baird and Brendan Gan will also make the first team with the likes of Bobby Gonzales, Sabri Sahar, Mohd Safuan Ibrahim, Alto Linus, Mohd Rozaimi Abd Rahman and Syed Adney Syed Hussin starting from the bench.
Meanwhile, team manager AR Hj Shahriman Abdullah also fancies their chances against the club side.
He said he is confident the team can walk away with a positive result despite their home defeat to Singapore last week.
“We are a good team and we play our game very well. We controlled the match against Singapore and we were great against T-Team,” Shahriman said in showing his support to his charges.
“If we can get around the problem of scoring goals, I think we can beat any team and that includes our opponents tomorrow night,” he added.
He said with their confidence undamaged despite the defeat to Lions XII, they will be aiming for the points in a bid to make up for the ones they lost.
“Justin will try to unlock the combination so we can have a scoring partnership up front that would hopefully lead us to victory.
Shahriman also reminded his charges to be cautious as this will be an away match and that their opponents can defend their territory quite well, according to previous match records.
“We will play our usual game but we will be cautious as this is an away match. PKNS have a tight defence and we might have to work hard to try and crack them,” he said.
For the record, the match, which is the only Super League tie playing tonight, is likely to be shown live on Astro Channel 801 at 8.45pm.
