Lions XII coach Fandi Ahmad has set his sights on a top-three finish in this year's Malaysia Super League (MSL), with an eye on producing more players for the national team.

The loss of stalwarts such as Shahril Ishak, Baihakki Khaizan and Hariss Harun, as well as coach V. Sundramoorthy have severely depleted the defending MSL champions. But Fandi is certain his team can finish in the top three.

He will look to senior players like national striker Khairul Amri and national defender Safuwan Baharudin to lead this year's squad.

Said Fandi: "It's not going to be easy, but I believe in these players. Even though they are young, they showed a lot of character, especially during our training trip in Indonesia.

"We have targeted a top-three finish, which I think is achievable. But I believe we have to produce more players for national team."

The team will kick off the new MSL campaign with an away clash against Pahang on Friday. The match will also serve as the Charity Shield, the annual curtain-raiser of the MSL season.