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| BRENDAN … back from suspension. |
The Sabah head coach said there is no room for complacency against the Premier League outfit that has done relatively well thus far, placing themselves third in the 12-team standings on 13 points from four wins, one draw and two defeats.
Furthermore, Justin insisted that playing in a knockout competition like the FA Cup is going to be a different ball game, unlike the League, where you can afford to commit errors.
“In the FA Cup, there is no place for complacency because in order to advance into the next round, we have to win the game. Things look a little bit difficult for us because this is a one-leg competition, and there is no chance of redemption if we fail to do a good job.
“Whether the players like it or not, we have to play our best and try to minimise our mistakes.
“I predict that the team that commits less errors will win the game,” said Justin when contacted yesterday.
Justin said he is not taking the FA Cup lightly, before pointing out that the competition is a good chance for them to end their title drought.
He hinted that he will parade his best available 11 for the game.
“We want to do well in all competitions, including the FA Cup, so I will play the best players that are available for options tomorrow.
“Furthermore, I see this as our good chance to end our title drought.
“But playing in a knockout competition such as this is always different than that of the League, and we expect this to be a tough encounter.
“Furthermore, we are playing away from home, and we need to be more cautious in our game.
“We must try to minimise our mistakes because committing the slightest error could cost us the game. So we really have to be very careful. In our League matches, there were instances where we were punished for committing some silly mistakes, and I hope it will not happen tomorrow (today),” Justin added.
“This is also our opportunity to nick our first win away.
Justin went on to say that as long as his charges can play to their true strength, he is confident they will make it into the next round.
Justin will welcome back Aussie Brendan Gan from suspension, and the midfielder is set to make it straight back into the first team.
In attack, Gan’s countryman Michael William Baird will spearhead the attacking department with either Bobby Gonzales or Leopold Alfonso Otong as his likely partner.
In midfield, Justin is expected to play Gan alongside Zainizam Marjan with Shahrudin Yakup at the right and Sumardi Hajalan on the left.
At the backline, Justin will have the likes of Md Reithudin Ag Emran, Ronny Harun, Mohd Faris Azlan Mat Isa, and Mafry Balang with either Syed Adney Syed Hussien or Azizon Abd Kadir being the ball stopper.
