Dayoub unfazed by bad blood with ATM

The last meeting between both sides - a 2-2 draw in the first round of the Malaysia FA Cup that Selangor eventually won on penalties - was marred by a fight between players from both sides after the final whistle.

The incident is currently still being investigated by the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) and both sides could find themselves sanctioned if they are found guilty of bringing the game into disrepute.

However, Dayoub insists the fight will have no bearing on Tuesday's Super League match at the Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium - an encounter which will pit leaders Selangor against fourth-placed Armed Forces.

"I think we are over that [the fight]," he told FOX Sports. "We are only focused on the game but ATM probably still think of it because they lost the game after leading 2-0.

"Tomorrow's [Tuesday's] game will be tough as they will want revenge after being booted out of the FA Cup by us."

Given their participation in this season's AFC Cup, the Red Giants have been allowed to sign four foreign players but only two are available for domestic competition, and coach Irfan Bakti has plumped for Dayoub and Francis Forkey Doe, leaving the Slovakian duo of Michal Kubala and Peter Chrappan waiting in reserve.

Although this inevitably places extra pressure on him and Doe to deliver on a regular basis, the Lebanon international reveals he is relatively pleased with how he has done so far in 2013.

"I can say that I'm quite happy with how I have played so far this season," Dayoub added. "But footballers have their off days.

"Most importantly, it is how the team performs. We are a different team this season and I'm very happy with how we have been.

"The chemistry between us is very good and that's how it should be."

Given Irfan brought in 11 new faces after last season's disappointing third-place finish, including Doe, S. Kunanlan and Abdul Shukor Jusoh, it is quite remarkable how fast the players have gelled as a unit.

Nonetheless, one player that has impressed Dayoub in particular has been right-back Mahalli Jasuli, who has quickly established himself as an important member of the Selangor starting XI.

"Mahalli is a fantastic player," he said in praise of the Malaysia international. "It's definitely an advantage for Selangor to have him in the team - he's one of the best defenders in the country.

"He's a good boy, very disciplined. I know how he plays and we work well together."

Although the Red Giants' strong start to the season has led many to believe they have a good chance of ending a two-year wait for silverware, the 28-year-old has urged caution and believes there is still plenty of work to be done.

"Now that we are top of the league, we must try to keep winning and continue this good momentum, not only in the league but also in the FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and AFC Cup," he declared.

"It may not be easy but we still have many more games to go and anything can happen, but we must have faith in ourselves and hopefully things will go our way."

Dayoub moved to the Shah Alam Stadium at the start of last year and is now regarded as one of the best centre-backs in Malaysia.