KUALA LUMPUR: Negri Sembilan could face a problem in attack when they entertain Terengganu in a Super League match on Friday without their striker Nicolas Velez.
The Argentine is the only player who has scored for Negri this year. The 28-year-old netted a brace in the 2-0 win over Kuala Lumpur on Feb 7 but he did not play in the next match where Negri lost 3-0 to Melaka due to an injury.
Striker N. Thanabalan is expected to start as a replacement for Velez and the national Under-23 member is anticipating a tough match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium in Paroi.
"It is going to be difficult without Velez tomorrow. However, I am ready to replace him if given the chance to play,” said Thanabalan.
“The most important thing is that we need to be tight in defence and also make sure we do not concede goals.
“Yes, there is pressure... it is normal in football. We will try to do our best and earn our second win of the season.”
Negri, who have not lost at home, will be out to end Terengganu’s unbeaten run in the league after three rounds.
"They (Terengganu) are unbeaten but our advantage is that we are playing at home. So far, we have lost two away matches but won the one at home.
“Hopefully, history can repeat itself and that we can rise to the challenge," Thanabalan added.