Friday, March 12, 2010
Here comes the weekend
Long weekend for us lucky folk in Jakarta and some fascinating games to keep us on the edge of our seats. Should we spend the whole time sat on our sofas that is.
In Indonesia Sriwijaya face a tricky game against Persema in Palembang. The Malang side have asked all the big clubs questions this season and not everyone has been able to answer. Persija's Singaporean midfielder Mustafic Fachruddin says they are the best team he has come up against all season.
They may lack the stars of other 'bigger' teams but coach Subangkit has instilled a healthy work ethic and team spirit. His midfield, Siswano, Robbie Gaspar, Bima Sakti, M Kamri, have chipped in vital goals for the team while Pierre Patrick Seme at the back is either a coach's nightmare or answer to prayer with his runs from the back.
Sriwijaya, Champions in 2008, Copa Winners 2008, 2009, have struggled to find any consistency this season and lost last time out to Bontang at home.
Persija host Persiwa with the Papuans preparing for an AFC Cup tie against Muang Thong United the week after. Away from their Pendidikan Stadium the team obviously struggle, without a win on their travels, and Persija have seen new signings Firman Utina and Serge Emaule, hit the net recently, reducing the burden on Bambang Pamungkas.
Copach Benny Dollo has done a lot of work with his defence with two goals conceded in their last nine outings. They are also unbeaten in their last 13 so everything points to three points for the home side. Except...dropped points against strugglers like Pelita Jaya, Persik and Persijap have hurt and if Persiwa decide to camp in their own half it could be a frustrating night for the Jakmania.
Persiba host a struggling Persik side in a game they must, and should, win to keep their own title aspirations alive. But in Indonesia all eyes are on Persib against Arema. First against fourth at the Jalak arupat Stadium, defeat for Persib could see them out of the title race. Victory and they will go nine points behind the leaders with a game in hand.
In Malaysia it is the clash of the titans with Selangor taking on Kelantan. The side from the north east have struggled to make an impression this season and sit 4th, seven points behind Selangor with a game in hand. The Champions on the other hand have been looking in fine form as well as rattling in the goals.
Second placed Terengganu, fuming after losing against city rivals T Team in the FA Cup mid week, will be hoping to put that behind them when they host Pahang.
In Singapore them Frenchies, Etoile, will hope to show that while they can brush aside teams like Woodlands at will they can also mix it with the big boys. Sunday sees them take on Home United, a side much fancied this campaign.
And finally Esther the Myanmar National League kicks off this weekend with champions Yadanarbon hosting Zeyar Shwe Myay while on Sunday Yangon United, coached by Peter Butler, mix it with Kanbawza.
In Indonesia Sriwijaya face a tricky game against Persema in Palembang. The Malang side have asked all the big clubs questions this season and not everyone has been able to answer. Persija's Singaporean midfielder Mustafic Fachruddin says they are the best team he has come up against all season.
They may lack the stars of other 'bigger' teams but coach Subangkit has instilled a healthy work ethic and team spirit. His midfield, Siswano, Robbie Gaspar, Bima Sakti, M Kamri, have chipped in vital goals for the team while Pierre Patrick Seme at the back is either a coach's nightmare or answer to prayer with his runs from the back.
Sriwijaya, Champions in 2008, Copa Winners 2008, 2009, have struggled to find any consistency this season and lost last time out to Bontang at home.
Persija host Persiwa with the Papuans preparing for an AFC Cup tie against Muang Thong United the week after. Away from their Pendidikan Stadium the team obviously struggle, without a win on their travels, and Persija have seen new signings Firman Utina and Serge Emaule, hit the net recently, reducing the burden on Bambang Pamungkas.
Copach Benny Dollo has done a lot of work with his defence with two goals conceded in their last nine outings. They are also unbeaten in their last 13 so everything points to three points for the home side. Except...dropped points against strugglers like Pelita Jaya, Persik and Persijap have hurt and if Persiwa decide to camp in their own half it could be a frustrating night for the Jakmania.
Persiba host a struggling Persik side in a game they must, and should, win to keep their own title aspirations alive. But in Indonesia all eyes are on Persib against Arema. First against fourth at the Jalak arupat Stadium, defeat for Persib could see them out of the title race. Victory and they will go nine points behind the leaders with a game in hand.
In Malaysia it is the clash of the titans with Selangor taking on Kelantan. The side from the north east have struggled to make an impression this season and sit 4th, seven points behind Selangor with a game in hand. The Champions on the other hand have been looking in fine form as well as rattling in the goals.
Second placed Terengganu, fuming after losing against city rivals T Team in the FA Cup mid week, will be hoping to put that behind them when they host Pahang.
In Singapore them Frenchies, Etoile, will hope to show that while they can brush aside teams like Woodlands at will they can also mix it with the big boys. Sunday sees them take on Home United, a side much fancied this campaign.
And finally Esther the Myanmar National League kicks off this weekend with champions Yadanarbon hosting Zeyar Shwe Myay while on Sunday Yangon United, coached by Peter Butler, mix it with Kanbawza.
# posted by Me @ 8:42 AM 
