By Jonas Terrado
Game Today
(Panaad Stadium, Bacolod City)
8 p.m. – Philippines vs Singapore
The Philippine Azkals will try to meet lofty expectations under the guidance of decorated coach Sven-Goran Erikkson when they face Singapore tonight in the start of their AFF Suzuki Cup campaign at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod City.
With the former England manager at the helm, the Azkals are seen to start their Suzuki Cup title bid on a high note against the visiting Singaporeans in the match set at 8 p.m.
Having Erikkson on the sidelines is not the only pressure the national squad is facing.
The Azkals are eager to make it back to the semifinals after a disappointing showing in the 2016 edition held in Bocaue, Bulacan when they failed to win once in three group stage matches.
Phil Younghusband, set to make a landmark 100th international appearance, leads the Azkals into battle in front of an expected big crowd at the City of Smiles.
Goalkeeper Neil Etheridge is also expected to see action despite days removed from helping Cardiff City secure a 2-1 win over Brighton in the English Premier League over the weekend.
Singapore will head to Bacolod riding on the crest of its 1-0 win over Indonesia at home last Friday. Harris Harrun accounted for the only goal of the match as the Lions began their quest for a fifth Suzuki Cup crown with a victory.
