It is the 20th league match of the MSL season and it has been fascinating so far with the title race still very much in progress. This season could end as one of the best so far since MSL title race normally ends far earlier and there is nothing to see or excites the fans any more towards the end of the season. This season though, is different. Two teams JDT and Pahang at the top of the table have showed a difference in quality if compare to the rest.
JDT boasts a solid display and great mentality which probably due to a great depth in their squad, having invested in quality local players while Pahang offers a fast and attacking style contributed by all of their foreign players who always performed when it matters as well as a plausible fitness regime, preventing their key players from getting injured.
Both only separated with one point, but have a massive 10 points difference with the third and fourth place, Selangor and Terengganu. Both hoping each other to slip up.
Tonight, JDT face a daunting task to hold on to their lead as they meet Kelantan at Kota Bharu. Though The Red Warriors are struggling, losing two games in a row against two East Coast side, Terengganu and Pahang, JDT have to be wary with Kelantan's home advantage. JDT also tend to perform poorly whenever travelling, winning only six games out of eleven. Kelantan currently 9th, and probably have nothing to fight for, but they may not entertain the idea of allowing JDT to win at their home ground. The verdict: A draw
Pahang have the similar task with fellow rival JDT, facing a tricky away trip to Ipoh. But it might be easier for The Elephant Army since Perak are currently in a bad run, losing five games in a row and have lost a total of eight first team players due to injuries. This include key players Namkung Woong, Charles Souza Chad, Horace James, Tuah Iskandar and Hisyamuddin Syaari. The verdict: Easy win for Pahang
Another interesting match is Felda v Terengganu, though it would be more interesting if both are still in the title race. The Turtles have won for six consecutive games, but tonight they will be without the services of Zubir Azmi who is suspended, Gustavo Lopez and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha due to injuries. The verdict: A draw would be sufficient
LionsXII have always performed well at home and expected them to continue against Selangor. Although The Red Giants are currently unbeaten in four league matches, they have never beat the Lions away from home, not since their establishment in 2012. The verdict: Lions win
At the end of the table, ATM are hoping for a win against Sarawak even though it seem far-fetched due to their eight winless run. This is the game where ATM have to perform if they really determine to avoid from relegation at the end of the season. The verdict: A draw would be good enough
Full matches
LionsXII v Selangor TV9
Kelantan v JDT TV3
Perak v Pahang TV1
Felda v Terengganu
ATM v Sarawak
PDRM v Sime Darby