Penang vs Kelantan United

** <h2>Penang vs Kelantan United: Battle of the Basement</h2> <p>Two of Malaysia Super League's early-season strugglers clash at Penang's home ground on Friday evening, with both sides desperately seeking momentum after disappointing starts to the campaign. While the sample size remains small at just three matches each, the statistical patterns emerging paint a clear picture of two teams heading in opposite directions.</p> <h3>Current Form and Team News</h3> <p><strong>Penang</strong> enters this fixture with mixed emotions after their recent 1-2 home defeat to Kuala Lumpur, a result that highlighted both their attacking limitations and defensive frailties. The home side has managed just one goal across their two home fixtures while shipping five at the other end - statistics that would normally spell disaster. However, they face a Kelantan United side that has managed the remarkable feat of failing to score in either of their away matches this season.</p> <p>The hosts' coaching staff will take encouragement from their historical dominance in this fixture, having won four of the last five meetings including a comprehensive 6-1 victory as recently as February 2025. With no fresh injury concerns reported and a settled squad available, Penang will be confident of ending their home winless streak.</p> <p><strong>Kelantan United's</strong> away form tells the story of a team still finding its feet under new management. Their 4-0 thrashing at Kuching was followed by a goalless draw at Sabah - results that perfectly encapsulate their current struggles on the road. The visitors have scored zero goals in 180 minutes of away football, a statistic that will give Penang's defense rare confidence ahead of this encounter.</p> <h3>Tactical Battleground</h3> <p>The key tactical question revolves around Kelantan's inability to create chances away from home. Their recent away performances suggest a ultra-defensive approach that has yielded clean sheets but at the cost of any attacking threat. With their away record reading 0 goals scored and 4 conceded, they arrive at Penang Stadium facing a side that, despite home struggles, should fancy their chances against such limited opposition.</p> <p>Penang's home performances have shown flashes of quality, particularly in their 1-1 draw with Melaka on the road, suggesting their attacking problems may be venue-specific. The return to home soil could provide the catalyst needed to break down a Kelantan side that has shown little attacking ambition on their travels.</p> <h3>Weather and External Factors</h3> <p>Hot and humid conditions with potential rain showers could favor the home side's greater familiarity with local conditions. The expected high humidity