DPMM FC's Roy O'Donovan (C) passes the ball during a training session at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday. DPMM FC will take on Harimau Muda at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas today. BT/ Yee Chun Leong
DPMM FC are gunning for a cleansheet and all three points when they host Singapore League (S-League) basement dwellers Harimau Muda B (Malaysia national under-21 football team) today.
Brunei's only professional team have every right to be in a confident mood after coming off a 6-1 demolition of the Young Lions (Singapore national under-23 football team) on Sunday at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium in Berakas.
DPMM FC dropped a spot to third place with 13 points, after the Warriors played out to a 1-1 draw against Tanjong Pagar United FC last night, while Harimau Muda B are rock bottom and still in search of their first points of the season.
The Bruneian side can shoot to the summit of the 12-team table should everything go their way.
DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean is not taking anything for granted and will enter the match with caution.
"Like I said last week, these games are in a strange way more difficult if you don't approach them the right way," said Kean in an interview when met at the Jerudong Mini Stadium yesterday.
"If we don't start properly like in our last match, the other team can score one or maybe two then make the match difficult for us
"But I'm confident of all three points after the way we finished the game (on Sunday)," he added.
"We have been unfortunate in conceding goals from deflections. We need to focus on getting the blocks on and avoid turning our back as it gives the keeper no chance," continued the Scotsman.
The former Blackburn Rovers coach also highlighted his aim in not conceding for the encounter.
DPMM FC have been doing a great job at the defensive end so far, only conceding four over their past six matches.
"We want to get a cleansheet. We need to get to back to where we were the first three games," said Kean.
"We know we can create chances and score goals. It is not just Wardun and the back four... everybody needs to think like a defender once we lose possession and put pressure," he added.
"Chances for the opposition are few then and we want to limit the waves of attack," continued the DPMM FC head coach.
There are no injury worries for Kean with both midfielder Hj Md Subhi Abdilah Hj Bakir (minor knee injury) and Brazilian forward Rodrigo Tosi (tight calf) back to full fitness.
Harimau Muda B coach Razip Ismail is hoping that his charges will not suffer the same fate as the Young Lions.
The visitors have conceded a staggering 17 goals from six matches and Razip knows full well of the task ahead of him.
"It is going to be a tough game for us. I'm worried about our opponents because they thrashed the Young Lions in the last game," said Razip.
"Whatever it is, we are prepared and the players will need to double their efforts to ensure we don't suffer the same results.
"I just hope the players will be able to produce a good game and avoid any embarrassment. They shouldn't be afraid," he added.
"I don't know much about the players in DPMM FC. I just know they have a new coach and imports. From past results we know that it will be a tough match.
"We have a squad made up 80 per cent of new players and they are not ready for this level. Getting a point out of this match would be very good," concluded Razip.
Kickoff is at 8.15pm.
