From Malaysia to the Arabian Peninsular

This post covers: Malaysia national team and Opening game opponents Qatar.

The Task

The Malaysian National Team's upcoming fixtures which are two away matches at the arabian peninsular. One of them is a warm-up friendly against 2007 Asian Cup champions Iraq in Dubai. And our opening group 2015 Asian cup qualifying match again 2022 World Cup host Qatar.

The Team News:

Injuries has hit the national team hard. A total of 9 confirmed out of the upcoming matches. While 4 reported to be carrying knocks or minor injuries according to a source.

Confirmed out are: Safee Sali, Kunalan, Fitri Omar, Bunyamin, Wan Zack, Gurusamy, Gary Steven, Norshahrul and Zubir.

Who can still participate: Amar, Farizal, Norfarhan and Amiridzwan.

So here are the list of players who reported for training and could be featured for the two games:

Goalkeepers:
1. Khairul Fahmi
2. Norazlan Razali
3. Farizal Marilas *

Defenders:
1. Fadhli Shas
2. Aidil Zafuan
3. Asaruddin Putra
4. Amiridzwan Taj*
5. K. Reuben
6. Mahali
7. Faizal Muhammad
8. Nik Shahrul

Midfielders:
1. Shakir Shaari
2. Azamuddin Akil
3. Ashaari Shamsudin
4. Amar Rohidan
5. Afizie Faisal
6. Yong Kuong Yong
7. Shukor Jusoh
8. Norfarhan

Forwards:
1.  Fauzi Roslan
2. Khyril Muhymeen
3. Sharizal Saad
4. Amri Yahya

Total of 23 players.

(*Carrying a minor Injury)

Looking at the squad the boss could be saying there is a lack of firepower with the noticeable absences of Safee, Mat Yo and Wan Zack. Fauzi Roslan and Khyril could step up for Malaysia and grab this opportunity to shine. Amri Yahya could provide that bit of experience and spirit up front for Malaysia. There's a rumor going on that Amirul Hadi Yahya could be called up in the last second to fill up the striking department.

Shakir looks to stamp his slot in the defensive midfield role after showing a good performance for Kelantan lately. Noticeably for Malaysia during the AFF Suzuki Cup. Ashaari Shamsudin will be looking to break back into the national side after he had a bad season with Terengganu last year, currently he is in a above decent form. Shukor Jusoh eying to replace the number 8 who he replaced for Selangor this term. Norfarhan after having an impressive season last term and currently on form for Kelantan wants to have a crack of a starting position. There were worries of he might not make it due to injury, but photos emerge that he did train lightly with the team today. Pahang's talisman Azamuddin Akil will be looking to inspire Malaysia to get the results they need at the Arabian Peninsular.

In the defensive side, it looks business as usual. Amiridzwan and Nik Shahrul will be working extra hard this time around after being dismissed last time. The left-back position is an open slot as Zubir is out with an injury apparently. Versatile defender Nik Shahrul seems to be an obvious choice currently. Asaruddin Putra, Amiridzwan, Faizal Muhammad and K. Reuben will push Fadhli Shahs, Aidil and Mahli in training as the quartet will provide competition for a starting spot.

The battle between the two Selangor goalkeepers resulted in Norazlan Razali wining this round in a result of a call up. He will definitely be keeping Farizal Marilas and Khairul Fahmi on their toes. With the minor injury to Farizal Marilas, Khairul Fahmi is expected to take the gloves until Malaysia's number one during the AFF Suzuki Cup 2012 recovers.

Tactically Coach K. Rajagobal will be restricted again due to the lack of firepower. The general opinion around the Malaysian supporters is that K. Rajagopal will go for a 4-5-1 formation. With the aim to at least to earn a point away and as well a good performance against The Maroons (Qatar's nickname.)

The Opponents

Qatar have only won 2 out of 7 outings, scoring 9, conceding 11 and keeping 3 clean sheets in 2012. Malaysia should be worry about native Hussein Yassen and naturalized citizen Sebastian Soria. Who can score goals for The Maroons. Defensively teams from the middle east will be very physically stubborn, which will frustrated the Malaysian fans and neutral football fans of wanting to see a game of football. So expected some frustrating moments, time wasting and 'injury-acting.'.

Preparations:

Malaysia pencilled in with a friendly with Iraq will be praying for an injury free game. As well as a positive performance and result against the Lions of Mesopotamia. If Malaysia can achieve that, fans can hope and pray Harimau Malaysia can get the result needed in Doha, Qatar on February 6th.