Challenge Cup: Philippines vs Myanmar Preview

source: by Charles Hizon

The Philippines are the first to play the host nation in the opening day in the AFC Challenge Cup Group Stages which will take place at the Youth Training Centre, 5:00 PM Manila time. The two teams met each other in the final game of the group stage in the AFF Suzuki Cup last year that ended in a stalemate.

That time, the Philippines only needed a draw to ensure their spot in the knock out stages. It was the same tournament when the Philippines stunned the whole world, by claiming the biggest upset in the history of the competition defeating Vietnam 2-0 at their home turf.

Against Myanmar
The last time these two teams locked horns, it ended in a 0-0 draw. The Philippines that time did everything right, except to score- hitting the woodwork at least 3 or 4 times during the whole ninety minutes. The performance of the Philippines against Myanmar in the Suzuki Cup was brilliant, far far from what they’ve demonstrated in the 2-1 loss to Mongolia. Here’s the highlights when the two teams previously met:


Facts

• In last year’s Challenge Cup, Myanmar ended 4th place in the whole competition, finishing runners up on the group with 6 points, then losing 5-0 to Korea DPR in the semi finals and then losing the battle for 3rd against Tajikistan.
• The Philippines ended the Suzuki Cup group stages with 5 points, Myanmar with only 1.
• Myanmar claimed their only point in the tournament in a 0-0 draw against the Philippines
• Philippines won 2-0 against Vietnam; Myanmar lost 7-1.
• Philippines drew 1-1 against Singapore; Myanmar lost 2-1.

Possible Starting Elevens

• The utility man, Gener, will play his 3rd position for the team. Previously he was used as a right midfilder in the Suzuki cup by McMenemy, then slotted to left back in the qualifiers, then to right back against Myanmar.
• It will be interesting to see Borromero play as a defensive midfielder, demonstrating his playmaking skills combined with his defensive qualities. He will need to protect the another-makeshift-backfour deployed by Weiss.
• Jonsson will slot to his familiar left back role where he is more effective in pushing forward
• Though test for Anton del Rosario who normally plays left back for club and country. He will now need to contain Myanmar’s central attack together with Rob Gier.
• It will be the much awaited debut of Fil-Spanish forward Angel Aldeguer. Everyone wants to see what he's got to offer. He's tall, he's strong, he's quick- sounding like a nightmatre for any defender.

I'd like to highlight Craig Burrows for posting the formation: found here.