- By ERIC SAMUEL -

PETALING JAYA: The Red Giants engine room will be well-oiled for the big clash against Super League leaders Johor Darul Takzim at the Shah Alam Stadium on Saturday.

Selangor coach Irfan Bakti said he would have all his best midfielders playing together after more than a month. They are S. Kunalan, K. Gurusamy, S. Veenod and K. Solihin.

“It’s not often that we get to assemble the strongest team because of injuries and suspensions. We had their services (all four) only for the opening two matches in January. But I’m glad they are all back and ready for the big game against Johor DT,” said Irfan.

Work-horse Gurusamy is back after a nine-month layoff due to a knee surgery last May. He returned to competitive football on Jan 19 but aggravated his knee injury against Pahang.

Gurusamy, who won back-to-back SEA Games titles in 2009 (Laos) and 2011 (Jakarta), plays in the heart of midfield with Veenod.

National flanker Kunalan is back after sitting out six matches after picking up a groin injury in early January.

The nippy  25-year-old Kunalan is a live wire in the engine room with his darting runs down the flanks.

Solihin is also back after missing two matches with a thigh injury.

“You can say that this is my dream team in midfield now. It’s game on,” said Irfan, whose team failed to dislodge Johor DT from the top spot on Tuesday when they could only draw 0-0 with the T-Team.

Johor DT lead the standings with 16 points – one ahead of Armed Forces and Selangor, who are tied on 15 points in second and third spots respectively.

Last week, Selangor opened their AFC Cup Group H campaign with a 1-0 loss to Kingfisher East Bengal FC.

Selangor are also down to face Johor DT in the FA Cup quarter-finals next month.

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