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Final day battle for 3 teams to stay in the Super League

Final day battle for 3 teams to stay in the Super League


This Saturday will see the final round of the Super League fixtures being played. Matchday 22 and 90 minutes before the league close its curtain for another season.

With Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) already crowned as the 2017 Super League champions, Penang confirmed to be relegated and Mohammed Ghaddar on course to win the golden boot; the last day's action will be all about who joins Penang in the Premier League in 2018.

Barring a six goals swing on the final day, Pahang are likely to emerge as the runners-up in the league with Felda United and Kedah battling it out for the third spot - for mere pride as well as additional prize money.

While at the bottom T-Team, Sarawak and Kelantan are still in danger of facing the drop and the attention will fall on them in this final league football weekend.

In the mini-league T-Team currently leads at 22 points with Sarawak two points behind and Kelantan on 19 points. T-Team's position looks even more secured because they have a five goals advantage over Kelantan, even if the Red Warriors win the final match.

For the final day reckoning, Sarawak will host T-Team while Kelantan travel to play Melaka United. Melaka themselves only secured their stay in the Super League in the last round when they defeated Selangor 2-1 on MD21.

Having been under tremendous pressure the entire season to stay in the division, Melaka players might not be at their 100% subconsciously even if their bodies are willing. That is not to say Kelantan will have it and win comfortably. Heavy burden lifted off the shoulders could also sometimes inspire players to play better.

From a result perspective, Kelantan will only have one thing in mind, that is to win and win with as many goals as they can. Then only they need to observe what is happening in the other match in Kuching.

Permutations

Kelantan win. Sarawak and T-Team draw. Sarawak and T-Team stay in Super League, Kelantan relegated.
Kelantan win. Sarawak win. Sarawak stay in Super League. Goal difference decides between Kelantan and T-Team.
Kelantan win. T-Team win. T-Team and Kelantan stay in Super League. Sarawak relegated.
Kelantan draw. Sarawak and T-Team draw. Sarawak and T-Team stay in the Super League. Kelantan relegated.
Kelantan draw. Sarawak win. Sarawak and T-Team stay in Super League, Kelantan relegated.

Kelantan draw. T-Team win. Goal difference decides between Kelantan and Sarawak.
Kelantan lose. Sarawak and T-Team stay in Super League, Kelantan relegated.