KUCHING: Sarawak will be sending a ‘skeleton’ 16-man squad to Selayang in a do-or-die Premier League match against Armed Forces (ATM) tonight.

Almost failing to come up with the funds to fly over, cash-strapped Sarawak yet again face an uncertain future in the Malaysian league but at least for now, they will get their chance to deliver the elusive first league win.

Coach Robert Alberts, who said recently the players were under pressure to score after no goals in the last three matches, faces an uphill task even against an ATM side which they had beaten convincingly twice in the FA Cup — the Dutchman dismissing the wins as “a long time ago.”

Despite the on and off field distractions, he is still confident that his players will give their 100 per cent.

“Normally we travel with 18 players but with 16, we will have less options to change the course of the game,” said Alberts.

He has put in an extra hour after each training session, focusing on attack, working with players like Zamri Morshidi, Joseph Kalang Tie, Morris Nyalu and Mohd Khalid Hamlet.

Through drills in forward play, he hopes these players will be more confident when it comes to putting the ball into the net. Probable first-11 are goalkeeper Aidi Mohamad, striker Zamri, wingers Morris and Khalid with Kalang playing just behind Zamri.

In midfield, Alberts opted for a change in getting Mohd Hairol Moktar to partner Mohd Shahrol Saperi.

In defence, Zulazlan Ibrahim and Mazwandi Zekeria as the two full-backs. Mohd Fadly Kassim and Samsul Napiah will slot into the centre back positions.

On the bench are goalkeeper Abdul Gani Anuar, striker Zulmizan Bujang, midfielder Fred Maramat, defender Firdaus Morshidi and under-23 player Fareez Tukijol.

Notable players left out of the squad are striker Mohd Shamihad Ahad, midfielder Abang Mohd Za’afari Abang Othman and defender Jeffery Akup.