Jakarta, IDN Times – Every time Arema FC plays a duel against Persib, there is a prestige that always soars. Especially in this clash. This match is considered very crucial because both parties have ambitions to maintain the chance to win Liga 1 2021/22.
Persib wants to be able to stay in the top two standings while waiting for Bali United, who is solid at the top, to fall in the remaining five games this season. Understandably, they are three points behind the Tridatu Soldier squad in the competition for the trophy until entering the 29th week.
Meanwhile, Arema wants to get past the rivals who are in second place in the standings, as well as shorten the points gap with Bali United. Because, if they beat Persib, their position will automatically rise to second place.
All that ambition will be realized when Singo Edan meets Persib for the second time this season. Ngurah Rai Stadium will witness the collision of the two ambitions on Wednesday (9/3/2022).
1. Watch out for Fortes
Carlos Fortes celebrates his first goal for Arema FC against Persipura. Instagram/aremafcofficial In order to win, of course, Arema and Persib strikers must do as much as possible aka have to score goals.
Arema’s main striker, Carlos Fortes, is being talked about at the moment. Because, the Portuguese striker was again able to show his sharpness. In total, Fortes has scored 17 goals for clubs, the majority of which have been defeated by Arema.
Persib supporters are certainly not happy with the conditions experienced by Fortes. However, the player still has not been able to score a goal in front of Maung Bandung.
Bobotoh certainly hopes that he will return only to firing blanks or shooting blank bullets at Teja Paku Alam’s goal later.
2. Robert Alberts on full alert
Persib Bandung coach, Robert Alberts. IDN Times/Galih Persiana Despite his goal record which was stopped due to absence, Fortes is still a dangerous player. Persib coach Robert Alberts admits this because the player’s ability has been proven to often trouble opponents.
“He’s one of the best strikers, but like any other club, the striker is certainly a concern for the opposing team. He often moves to the left. But what needs to be underlined is not only the forward who is dangerous, but also the supply of the ball to him can create opportunities, and that’s what we have to pay attention to,” said Robert.
Persib was calm even though they were dealing with players who could threaten the survival of Teja’s goal. They have defenders whose quality and experience cannot be doubted, such as Nick Kuipers, Victor Igbonefo, to Ahmad Jufriyanto.
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3. David da Silva is starting to show sharpness
Persib managed to win over Borneo FC in the 2021/22 Liga 1 continued match, but two Brazilian strikers, namely David da Silva and Bruno Cantanhede, still haven’t managed to open the tap. (persib.co.id)What about the Persib stronghold? David and Silva will certainly be relied upon on the front lines. His performances started consistently by always scoring goals in the last four matches. In fact, previously he began to get ridiculed because he had not scored since he was brought to Bandung.
He will also be accompanied by midfielders who always serve well, such as Marc Klok, Mohammed Rashid, to Beckham Putra Nugraha. The three of them have certainly appeared together and are ready to provide the best service for David da Silva.
“But, we have to be able to take into account the condition of the players, because if I look at the details regarding the schedule, Persib has recovery less than the top five teams in the standings. This must be addressed more carefully, because some players have already pocketed a yellow card and cannot play in the next match. Now, Beckham is also back after serving a yellow card sanction,” said the Dutch coach.
Also read: Persib and Arema Keep the Fire of the Top League 1 Competition
4. Arema limping because three players are absent
Arema FC Kushedya Hari Yudho (right) competes for the ball with PSM Makassar footballer Erwin Gutawa (left) during the Liga 1 match at Pakansari Stadium, Bogor Regency, West Java, Sunday (5/9/2021). The match ended in a draw with the score 1-1. (BETWEEN PHOTOS/Yulius Satria Wijaya)Persib benefited slightly, because three Arema FC players were confirmed to be absent, such as Kushedya Hari Yudo, Rizky Dwi, and Bagas Adi Nugroho. Two players were injured, meanwhile, Bagas Adi was still serving a ban from the PSSI Komdis.
Therefore, Arema FC coach, Eduardo Almeida, must increase his concentration to face Persib which is likely to go down with his best strength. Moreover, the six players who contributed to the Persib goal, such as David, Beckham, Klok, Rashid, Erwin Ramdani, and Frets Butuan, are in good condition.
5. Winners can keep the chances of winning League 1
IDN Times/Galih PersianaOf course it will be a separate pressure for Arema in the duel later. Moreover, they are now starting to be pressured to win League 1 by their supporters. However, Almeida said that his team did not want to be disturbed by the problem.
“Since coming to Arema, I have never changed my statement. I always say focus from game to game. I understand they always talk about champions and champions. However, I want to focus on one game at a time. Since the beginning, we have never changed the target,” said Almeida.
Now the question is, which team’s ambition will be realized? Did Persib manage to win and trail Bali United? Or Arema who again made Maung Banung helpless, like the first round of League 1 ago.
Read also: Persib Paste Bali United in the hunt for the Indonesian League title