WORLD No. 130 Malaysia vs No. 87 Jordan at Al Janoub Stadium (Jan 15)
Jordan have not won their last seven matches and they may be a little bit down at the moment. But it is important to note that Jordan played against strong opponents in these friendlies. So, these results could give a wrong picture of the team. Malaysia really need to be careful in this match.
Jordan always have talented players, and their forward, Musa Al-Taamari, plays in the French first division for Montpellier.
For me, Jordan are a good team and they have good players. Sometimes they face some internal issues, but if they come out as a team, they can be a good side and can surprise.
The Malaysia team need to be very tight, compact, and disciplined. It will be a tough match. I believe Jordan are the stronger side in this clash.
* Malaysia vs No. 86 Bahrain at Jassim bin Hamad Stadium, (Jan 20)
Bahrain have had some solid results in the past one to two years. They changed their head coach who had tried to implement some new things. They enjoyed some positive moments though not exactly spectacular.
I believe Malaysia can give Bahrain a fight. Most of Bahrain's players are from their local league.
"Bahrain as a team that Malaysia need to be scared of as the world rankings between them are closer compared to the others.
I think Malaysia need to use counter attacks in this game. Come out with a good formation, good pressing, and control the middle zone with quick transitions. I think Malaysia can win this game.
* Malaysia vs No. 23 South Korea at Al Janoub Stadium (Jan 25)
Ironically, this will be in a way the "easier" game for Malaysia to play. They have nothing to lose because Korea are the big favourite and in a different class.
If the Koreans win their two opening games, they will enter this game a little bit relaxed, and this could mean Malaysia can have a chance to win the game.
But Malaysia need to be disciplined and compact to achieve something, but it will be tough.
If Korea dropped points in their two opening games, honestly Malaysia will have no chance but in football anything can happen.