The first match of the TM Malaysia Cup 2020 knockout round will see the Red Giants will host Melaka United at the Hang Jebat Stadium today at 9.00 pm.

For the record, the same meeting took place in the Malaysia Cup group D last season which ended with a 1-1 draw and saw Selangor advanced to the quarterfinals.

The victory in this match will ensure that Selangor advance to the quarterfinals against Kedah, which defeated Pahang 3-2 last night.

Since the Malaysia Cup tournament was introduced, Selangor has played against the Melaka United team 10 times, with six victories in favor of the Red Giants and only one lost.

Interim Selangor head coach Michael Feichtenbeiner considers that all the team in the tournament have the same chance to clinch the title as this year's Malaysia Cup tournament has been transformed into a one-round knockout format due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He also called on his players to stay focused for every match, especially against the Melaka United team.

"Currently, the main focus of the team is the match against Melaka United. They are one of the strongest teams but I am confident that the players will show their best performance," said Michael.

Selangor midfielder Brendan Gan also voiced the same tone as the interim gaffer and hoped that his teammates will give a good fight for the upcoming match.

The Malaysia-Australia hybrid player was quoted as saying, "I believe in the Selangor team and what we can do. If we play as best we can on that day, we will be able to overcome anyone."

In terms of player’s availability, the young player from Selangor 2, Mukhairi Ajmal is still undergoing recovery from injuries he picked up during the last match against Felda United in the last CIMB Super League 2020 competition.

Another Selangor player, K. Prabakaran also failed to be included in the squad list due to an ankle injury on the left side, while Hakim Hassan is still undergoing physiotherapy.

Hopefully, the Selangor team can maintain a good record against the Melaka United team and advance to the quarterfinals. Come on you Red Giants!