Malaysia Cup Quarter Final Match Ups - Selangor vs Perak

Selangor vs Perak
One of the biggest fixtures for the quarter finals as both rivals will now face off in a 2 leg quarter final match at Shah Alam and Ipoh. This match is billed up as one of the most anticipated fixtures in the Malaysia Cup.

Both teams have a great track record in the Malaysia Cup but Selangor, is the most successful team in the Malaysia Cup as they have won the cup 32 times. Aiming for the 33rd title, the teams were at crossroads at first but P.Maniam has steadied the ship and the team is well on track for its 33rd title.

Perak have won the cup 7 times and is the 3rd most successful team in the Malaysian league. Perak have been the revelation in the prestigious cup as they are the group leaders in Group A and furthermore they were unbeaten in their group as they beat teams like Sabah, Kedah and Johor, to come out tops in the 'Group of Death'.

Selangor though struggled in their group as K.Devan faced the chop and his assistant took over with 2 games to spar. P.Maniam has so far done his part and the confidence in the team is coming back. Safiq Rahim, who wasn't selected for the friendly against Australia. is back in the reckoning as his performances in the last 2 games were of exemplary.

The odds are on Perak to win against the favourites, Selangor, but if Norizan Bakar improves his midfield, then we might see Perak qualifying for the semi finals after so many years. Expectations are high for the team as many didn't expect them do to well in the gorup stages.

Failee would surely be the main man for the team as his 4 goals has helped Perak. His workrate, pace and ball control are his best attributes as the player on loan from USM has been a fan favourite and Norizan Bakr will surely rely on his presence to help the team qualify for the semi finals.

Selangor on the other hand will rely on Safiq Rahim, as the National team captain is back on form and when he is at his best, Selangor would be at their best too. The playmaker, who played sporadically in his first four games in the group stages, picked up in the last 2 matches as his influence can be seen against Kuala Lumpur and PDRM.

Both these teams would surely want to win this game for their fans as this game would be a hotly contested affairs as both teams are at their best form. Norizan Bakar and P.Maniam would be the catalyst as their tactics will determine the team's success.

Favourites to win: Perak -  Norizan will prevail in his battle against rookie P.Maniam...=)
Player to watch   :Safiq Rahim