>>> Park’s side confident towards a positive result at Bukit Jalil
>>> Vietnam not afraid of pressure from Bukit Jalil’s stands: Park Hang-seo
The two are no stranger to each other as they played in the group stage. At that time, the Golden Dragons with reasonable tactics and clinical finishing earned a convincing 2-0 victory against the Malayan Tigers. But the reunion this time will be a completely different story.
Malaysia have evolved since the defeat to Vietnam, as they defeated defending champions Thailand in the two-leg semi-finals to win their final berth. Harimau Malaya are desperately waiting to force Vietnam to "pay" for the 2-0 defeat in the group stage. The Malaysian coach and players have confirmed that they have prepared “a surprise” for their visitors.
As playing hosts, surely the Malayan Tigers will put great pressure on the guests to seek advantage with a victory, before heading to the hard trip to Hanoi’s My Dinh Stadium for the return leg.
For Vietnam, it is likely that Park’s players will sit deep to wait for their opportunities as seen in the previous meeting in the group stage. A draw is an acceptable result as they have to play away under the huge pressure of 80,000 Malaysian fans. If they leave Bukit Jalil with the three full points, this will be a great advantage for Park’s side to be officially crowned champions in the final return leg on Saturday.
Ahead of the important match at Bukit Jalil, the home side will not be able to field the services of talented defender Syahmi Safari, who was sent off (two yellow cards) in the semi-final return leg against Thailand. In addition, the injury of several key players will also force coach Tan Cheng Hoe to make some changes in his squad.
On the Vietnamese side, Van Toan has not completely recovered from his hamstring injury and his presence in the XI starting lineup is unlikely. However, the return of defensive midfielder Hung Dung will help strengthen Vietnam’s midfield under pressure from the home team. In addition, Trong Hoang suffering from a light pain could give a starting opportunity to Hong Duy on the right wing.
Malaysia vs Vietnam predicted XI:
Malaysia (4-4-2): Farizal; Amirul Azhan Aznan, Irfan Zakaria, Shahrul Saad, Nazirul Naim; Akram Mahinan, Syamer Kutty, Safawi Rasid, Mohamadou Sumareh; Norshahrul Idlan, Zaquan Adha.
Vietnam (3-4-3): Van Lam; Duy Manh, Dinh Trong, Que Ngoc Hai; Van Hau, Hung Dung, Duc Huy, Hong Duy; Quang Hai, Van Duc, Anh Duc.
Prediction: Malaysia 1-2 Vietnam
Malaysia vs Vietnam possible lineups for AFF Suzuki Cup 2018 final first leg. (Graphic: Duc Trung – Trung Hung)
