Malaysia's preparations for this month's AFF Cup are set to intensify, as coach Datuk Ong Kim Swee works on different combinations to prepare for the regional showcase which kicks off on Nov.19.
The Harimau Malaysia open their Group B campaign against Cambodia a day later, and the national boss knows how important high-intensity sessions are.
"We will no longer have normal training sessions after this. It will be tactically based, and I will be testing out various combinations," said Ong.
"Time is of the essence, we have an upcoming friendly in a week before we leave for Myanmar."
The striking department is one factor which needs a major shakeup before the Shah Alam friendly against Papua New Guinea (PNG) on Nov.14.
Day 10- Great few days in Port Dickson team building �� #RoadToAFF
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The national team have only scored five goals in their last six games. That paltry return included one strike in the last three outings, which came through Hadin Azman in the 1-1 draw against Afghanistan on Oct. 11.
Before that, they were comprehensively beaten 3-0 by Indonesia in a September friendly, before a goalless draw against Singapore on Oct. 7.
This time, Ong will be spoilt for choice against PNG. He has the experienced duo of Safee Sali and Norshahrul Idlan Talaha, who helped Malaysia to their sole AFF Cup title in 2010, and also emerging talent in Ahmad Hazwan Bakri and Darren Lok.
Captain Amri Yahyah completes the five forwards called up to the 26-man provisional squad.
"We have options in attack, which is good. The game against Papua will give me a chance to test out different partnerships," added Ong.
He also dismissed the notion of his players distracted by transfer rumours.
"They are professionals, and I believe they are only focused at the task at hand. Anything else can happen after the tournament."
National training sessions will take place at 3 p.m. from Monday, getting the players acclimatised to the intense heat expected during the tournament.
Malaysia will play two of their group games against Cambodia and Vietnam at 3 p.m., as well as the friendly against PNG.