SELANGOR, facing a tight domestic calendar, has decided to rest key players for today's AFC Cup Group H match against Vietnam's Saigon Xuan Thanh at Shah Alam Stadium.
Irfan Bakti's side are on course to win honours in the Super League and the FA Cup but face a tough task in the AFC Cup.
Selangor have garnered only one point from three matches and even if the 32-time Malaysia Cup champions win their remaining game, they are not guaranteed a last-16 spot.
Irfan said the tight schedule has presented him a challenge in player selection.
"I will have to plan my selection for tomorrow's (today) match and may leave out several key players to avoid injuries," said Irfan in Shah Alam yesterday.
Selangor, who are second in the Super League with 19 points from 11 matches, face Felda United on Saturday and then play Johor Darul Takzim in a FA Cup quarter-final second leg tie, three days later. They won last weekend's first leg 2-1 in Johor Baru.
"It will be tough to go far in the AFC Cup but it does not mean we have thrown in the towel. Yes, I will field a mix of experienced and fringe players tomorrow (today) but I am confident this makeshift line-up will give Saigon a tough time," said Irfan
"(Midfielder K.) Gurusamy will not play while I may rest captain Asraruddin Putra Omar. (Slovak) Michal Kubala is fit along with Peter Chrappan.
"Except for India's East Bengal, we are on par with Saigon and Singapore's Tampines Rovers and I believe we can win our remaining matches."
The coach is unhappy with Chrappan for giving away two penalties against Darul Takzim and the defender could be replaced soon as players from Spain, Brazil and Australia are expected to arrive for trials next week.
Selangor could have earned a draw with Saigon in Ho Chi Minh last week but a second half blunder by goalkeeper Norazlan Razali and Chrappan earned the Vietnam side a win.
Saigon have brought 16 players, including Uganda's international midfielder Olaya Moses, who missed the first round match.
Moses is seeking revenge following Uganda's 2-0 defeat to Liberia on March 24.
Selangor's Forkey Doe and PKNS' Patrick Wleh were instrumental in Liberia's win.
"Doe is a dangerous striker and we need to mark him. He played a key role in Liberia's win and I want my revenge," said Moses.

(From left) Selangor's Asraruddin Putra Omar, Saigon Xuan Thanh's Olaya Moses, managers Tran Tien Dai and Irfan Bakti at the AFC Cup press conference at Shah Alam Stadium yesterday. Pic by Goh Thean Howe
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