Friday, March 6, 2009

.10th Week Match Preview.

Geng Malaysia VS Bukit Tinggi

Fresh from their win of the MIC Cup last weekend, GM would most likely follow that up with a predictable big win against lowly Bukit Tinggi. Dubbed by some as geng "Afiq dan rakan2" or "Afiq and the others", the team has been overly dependent on top striker Afiq. His eye for goal and intelligent positioning is telling, but without the added steel by Awe and Che Pooh, Afiq wouldn't have much of an easy time up front. Fakhrul is also there with his pace. The tall Akmal has been given the red card last time around. Pokwe looks like he is going to race with a Mat Rempit with all that full body protection. Though this doesn't harm his excellent reflexes at all. GM is in good form, and this would probably be a walkover.

Bukit Tinggi has 10 official players. And they rotate 2 people every week. Which makes it hard for me to know who's playing or not! Nevertheless, they play futsal for fun and intend to give all their players a good time on the court, in front of the crowd. In Murat and Lan, they have 2 dependable keepers. Mate would most likely conduct their play and plan their attack with Yan and Rafiq ready up front. Loudspeaker Anol as usual will bark his order to his colleagues like an EPL manager does, and his presence sure does scare the opponents. They were unlucky to lose to Spartans by virtue of a single goal. Knowing Bukit Tinggi, they sure wouldn't just go and park the bus in front of the goal, in the spirit of having fun, even against the might of GM.

Players to watch

Afiq (GM)- hungry for more goals
Hilmi (GM) - has lost a bit of pace
Mate (Bukit) - as cool as ice, controls the game perfectly
Anol (Bukit) - Murat's big bodyguard in front of goal


ladbrokes.com predictions Geng Malaysia 4-0 Bukit Tinggi




Copa Cobana VS Dru N Cos

Once again, Copa has been jinxed and couldnt finish their promising start in the MIC Cup by falling against the full-blooded attack of Chittapa in the knock out stages. Copa will be able to recall everyone's favorite sharpshooter Shafiq and the predatory Hadiey with his eBay futsal shoes. Boo has performed admirably in between the sticks but he has his moments of gaffes. Faiz shows more promise galloping up front rather then defending, perhaps defending not being his strongest point. Shazli as usual will be the engine of the team together with Alep. Could they stay strong and fit enough for both halves to perhaps dent DNC's title hopes?

The giants of RFL didnt represent the league in the last MIC Cup but they had their players doing the odd jobs with other teams, with mixed results. As usual, the bulk of DNC would most probably be tired and fatigued as they form the spine of the uni's futsal team, having to take rigorous training every Friday night by captain Thiva. But surely they dont want to take this as an excuse. Buoyed by the return of Avinesh, DNC is complete and will be ready to tear any team apart. Everyone bar goalkeeper Rajdave has managed to blast a goal inside the opponents' place. The flying Singh would be at his utmost best to defend against the raids of Copa's attack.

Players to watch

Shazli (Copa)- his team play depends on his mood
Hadiey (Copa) - the silent killer is the second top scorer of Copa
Thiva (DNC) - lately looks sluggish but still has that quality touch
Rajdave (DNC) - the penalty area is his fortress

bet365.com predictions Copa Cobana 2-3 DruNcos



Akula VS De' Knights

Akula had a long break from futsal as they didnt play in the last MIC Cup. Although this really actually mean nothing. They however almost beat the odds when they held Copa Cobana to only for a 2-1 win, instead of a rout. This though was helped by the absence of Copa's Faiz, making the team having no substitute. An inspired run from AL ends with a fine goal from a difficult angle, leaving Copa's Boo hapless. They will be buoyed with the return of regular keeper Nazmi and fellow RFL debutant, Zulalif.

De' Knights followed on their strong form in the league by almost beating everyone in the MIC Cup, but in the end they fell under the pressure against the superiority of Boogies FC. Goalkeeper Lavin shows that he is as agile as Dinie or Minjie and maybe brave as Rajdave. The unpredictable Shan was a revelation but Damo's calming presence at the back and their many subs, Damo perhaps has finally found his perfect team.

Players to watch

Palong (Akula)- the multi use captain has performed admirably in any position
AL (Akula)- RFL boss searching for more goals before graduating this year
Arasan (DK)- unlucky lately in front of goal, but still deadly
Damo (DK)- wears his heart on his sleeves

sbobet.com predictions Akula 1-4 De'Knights



Spartans VS Chittapa

Spartans did not have a happy outing last time around in the MIC Cup, though credit to them they did manage to get a draw once. Captain Satishratnam yet to score more goals after his boomer against Gastroboi last time around. The all-action Ganesh Kumar might not look pleasing to the eye, but he is crucial for the team, almost like the team's heartbeat. Rama has found a likeness up front and his perseverance has now been rewarded with a few couple of goals for Spartans lately. They will defend strongly against a strong Chittapa side.

First runner ups of the MIC Cup can be proud of being almost the only team who has been able to reach the final of virtually any cup available. Chittapa surely has a penchant for cup ties, with their superb stamina and durability. Updesh might want to let the ghost of the failed penalty kick in the final of the MIC Cup against Pokwe pass and make an impressive cameo as usual. Tall striker Sathiya loves to get the crowd going and captain Arulkanesh is never shy of booming from distance. Putting individuality aside, Chittapa might be a genuine top 3 contender.

Players to watch

Satishratnam (Spartans)- has a liking for shooting from the flanks
Ganesh Kumar (Spartans)- the defensive fulcrum of Spartans
Arulkanesh (Chittapa)- the captain can help in counter attacks from the defensive position
Arulbotak (Chittapa)- hot blooded but gifted player of the ball



Boogis VS Le' Samba

Boogis' fine cup run was ended by an inspiring performance from Pokwe's Geng Malaysia. Nevertheless, it is for the top of the RFL table that all the Boogis players are looking for. Boogis looks vulnerable now that captain Aman and Dalvin are rarely paired together in defense, perhaps due to their rigorous training for the upcoming Intervarsity Games. Iqbal now look more to his best after getting the top scorer award in the MIC Cup. There should be no problem for them getting 3 points if they are focused enough. Le' Samba is a tricky team.

Le' Samba has lost a bit of their good form and they were harshly beaten by an inspired Gastroboi intent on getting all 3 points for themselves last time around. Goalkeeper Minjie, so often the hero for Le' Samba this season,made some rare uncharacteristic mistakes which the Gastro strikers gladly pounced upon. Defensive towers Magesh and Lingesh might struggle against the pace and trickery for Boogis' strikers. Watch for VK or Kayrezza to spring a surprise against a tired Boogis defense.

Players to watch

Aman (Boogis)- has favored a more attacking role lately
Riz (Boogis)- ready to pounce on any defensive error
VK (Samba)- the lively striker not likely to be bullied by Boogis' brute strength
Abilash (Samba)- always taking it easy on the court

bwin.com predictions Le' Samba 1-4 Boogis



Saints FC VS FC Gastroboi

Saints would be delighted to get all 3 points against Bukit Tinggi last time. The Oranges depend mostly on strikers Agni and Gajaen to get that rare goal. Toh as usual will play up front as the game progresses, confusing fellow opponents and taking advantage of it. Prem would be running all day and provide the crosses for fellow teammates. Siva and PK provides fresh legs for the tired ones. Against an unpredictable Gastroboi, Saints will have to look for some divine inspiration.

With only their second win in the bag, against the fluorescent yellow Le' Samba, Gastroboi has come a long way in the RFL. Formed by the core that still remains since the very first RFL, captain Qye, Nfizree and Mok, Gastroboi seems to has its second generation of players. But their motto will still be, to play for fun, and "jogo bonito". Against Saints, the pinks must surely take the fight seriously if they want to end their season on a high. But then again, this is Gastroboi, and they are unpredictable. A fight to the end perhaps.

Players to watch

Toh (Saints)- the mastermind of Saints FC
Agni (Saints)- the loyal lieutenant and Mr. Dependable
Jivan (Gastro)- finally had his first clean sheet of the season against Le' Samba
Mok (Gastro0- takes the game as easy as it gets


paddypower.com predictions Saints 2-2 Gastroboi