A tough run looms and LionsXII cannot afford more injuries

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SINGAPORE - After an opening day defeat to Kelantan, they are on an unbeaten three-match run, collecting seven points out of a possible nine.

V Sundramoorthy's LionsXII are picking up momentum in the Malaysian Super League (MSL) but face a huge test on Saturday when reigning FA champions Terengganu will walk out to face them at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Coach Sundram will be looking for a win over a team currently second in the league table, and he will also hope his players come away from the match free from injuries and suspensions.

After Terengganu, the Singapore outfit will face three equally tough games in the space of seven days - away to Selangor on Feb 8, at home to Malaysia Cup champions Negeri Sembilan on Feb 11 and then Perak in Ipoh three days later.

"It's going to be very tight for us with those three games, then we have our first FA Cup game on Feb 18 (against FAM League side UiTM). I only hope there are no injuries, suspensions, and that the players stay fit and come through it," said Sundram yesterday.

The Selangor fixture was originally scheduled for Feb 7, but it has been pushed back a day later - along with six other matches - because of Thaipusam.

The LionsXII have had one red card in each of the last two games and forwards Khairul Amri, Khairul Nizam (both ankle injuries) and Agu Casmir (hamstring) are still on the treatment table.

"Shaiful Esah is back in training and putting in a lot of effort and we hope to have Agu back soon, but we cannot afford to pick up any more injuries," said Sundram.

The MSL schedule is set to see further changes. From Jan 24, Kuala Lumpur and Felda United's home games at the Hang Jebat Stadium in Malacca will be played at 8.45pm instead of 4.45pm, after the stadium floodlights received approval from the Football Association of Malaysia.