KUALA LUMPUR: New Zealand football coach Darren Bazeley has confirmed that he will be making a number of changes in his starting 11 for their tier one international friendly against Malaysia tomorrow.
Bazeley, however, stressed that it does not mean he views the Malaysian side lightly. Malaysia is currently world No. 132 while New Zealand are No. 95.
"I expect there to be changes but they will not be wholesale," Bazeley told the Friends of Football website today.
"We are going into the match as the favourites and this is our chance. They (Malaysia) have come with a big squad but we are playing on home ground and in front of our fans so we have to play our best."
The All Whites have won eight out of 12 encounters against Malaysia, last of which came in 2006 when they won 2-1.
Bazeley added that he was very pleased with the condition of the pitch at the North Harbour Stadium.
"The pitch is magnificent, we went and had a look at it yesterday. It's a carpet. It will be great for the players too," said Bazeley.
"There will be no complaints about the pitch tomorrow. It'll be perfect to play football on, on a perfect Auckland evening."