PETALING JAYA: Selangor are all fresh for revenge when they collide with Kuala Lumpur in their Super League Klang Valley derby at the Petaling Jaya Stadium today.
The City Boys edged the Red Giants 1-0 in their previous meeting on July 14. But this time, the situation seems favourable for Selangor to get even.
They are an energised lot after a good break, with their last match being on Dec 22 in the Challenge Cup quarter-final against Kelantan.
On the contrary, KL are still recovering from their 2-0 defeat to Lions City Sailors in their Asean Club Championships match in Singapore on Thursday.
The team only returned to the capital city on Friday and had just one day of training yesterday.
Selangor coach Katsuhito Kinoshi is hopeful of avenging the earlier loss to KL as his charges are in the best condition to maintain their second spot in the Super League.
The ace up front: Alvin Fortes will be the key man for Selangor in the Klang Valley derby. — Selangor FC
Kinoshi said after a hectic period in December where they had to play six matches, the two-week break after that was just what they needed.
“The long break has helped us a lot, in terms of conditioning and fitness. What’s more, we also have a good momentum going as we’ve won our last five matches in all competitions.
“That’s important as we have to be mentally strong for a derby match like this, which will be highly charged.”
Meanwhile, KL centreback D. Kenny Pallraj said they would not use fatigue as an excuse that they won’t be able to get a result against Selangor.
“Our schedule is indeed packed, and there are concerns about the players’ conditions after just returning from the game against Sailors,” said the 31-year-old.
“But we have to stay strong and positive as the derby is a demanding game which both teams will be fired up to win.’’
Kuala Lumpur are ninth in the league with 17 points from 15 matches, while Selangor are second with 35 points from 16 games.
