Malaysia

It's fairly straightforward. Harimau Malaya face a must-win final match against hosts Singapore to qualify for the semi-finals.

MALAYSIA

Mahali - Fadhli - Afif - Azmi Amri - Safiq - Shukor (c) - Kunanlan

SINGAPORE SunnyQassimy - Safuwan - Afiq - ShaifulShahdan - Harriss - Zulfahmi - Faris Shahril (c) - Khairul

There simply is no other option. Malaysia's lackluster performances in the 2014 AFF Suzuki Cup thus far have meant that they must beat Singapore to have any hope of reaching the semi-finals. For the hosts, a draw would suffice, so long as Myanmar do not beat Thailand by a large margin.

But will they set out to defend? Coach Bernd Stange said in a press conference today that his team's strategy is attacking football, and with most of the Singapore team comprising youngsters, there will be some lack in certain departments, namely the defence. Shorn of the suspended Baihakki Khaizan and the injured Shahdan Sulaiman, Stange will have to rejig his starting lineup. This might open the door to either Shakir Hamzah or Afiq Yunos in defence, while it is likely that Zulfahmi Arifin will take Shahdan's place in central midfield alongside Hariss Harun.

The JDT midfielder starred in the 4-2 win over Myanmar, capping an imperious performance with two stunning volleys. If Malaysia are to stop him, they would need to shore up their defensive midfield, a position that was glaringly porous against a Thailand side that found it easy to drift into the box and get shots away through the middle.

Shukor Adan was replaced late on, and it remains to be seen if the 35-year-old will be fit enough to play his third match in the space of a week. Gary Steven Robbat is available again after suspension, while Safiq Rahim is almost certain to retain his starting spot thanks to his goal and assist against Thailand.

Singapore's Shaiful Esah was another who shone against Myanmar, striking a brace from two free-kicks. Malaysia will need to be on their toes to avoid unnecessary fouls (a difficult task, as they have the worst disciplinary record in the tournament) because Shaiful's set pieces are deadly from anywhere, whether from short range or long.

Ahead of Shaiful, Faris Ramli is another threat, frequently creating chances for his teammates while having a go himself at times. If Mahali Jasuli can repeat his starring performance against Myanmar and keep Faris quiet, Malaysia could benefit from his fruitful partnership with Amri down the right flank.

Defence remains one of Singapore's weaknesses, and Safuwan Baharuddin is only one yellow card away from suspension, if his side advance. Myanmar have shown that the Lions' defence have trouble dealing with quick passes and movement, but that might be something beyond Norshahrul Idlan Talaha and Safee Sali, who are more respectively more technical and physical. Despite his poor showing so far, Dollah Salleh has said that Mat Yo has promised to do something special in this game, and Malaysia will need him and the rest of his teammates to do so, or risk missing out on the semi-finals for the first time since 2008.