Speedy winger: JDT’s Arif Aiman Hanapi outpacing Kelantan’s Leonardo Gabriel Rolon during their Malaysia Cup last-16 second leg match on Aug 19. JDT won 10-0. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) are just one win away from sealing their 10th Super League title but their next opponents, can prove to be a real obstacle.
The Southern Tigers will take on Kedah at their own den at the Darulaman Stadium in Alor Setar tonight, with the hope of sealing the title with five games left in the league.
JDT are undoubtedly the favourites in the tie, thanks to their swashbuckling form this year, having won all 20 matches so far and scoring 79 goals.
But Kedah have their own run of good form, winning their last five games in the league and pushing Selangor for the second place and a spot in the AFC Cup.
So it is set to be a mouthwatering clash, in which JDT coach Esteban Solari said it would be tough taking on the Canaries in their own backyard.
“It is an important game. They have quality players and have done well in the league so far. They will make life difficult for us in Alor Setar,” he said.
“A win against them will hand us the championship. I’m treating this like a final. We will look to seal the league quickly.
“The 10-0 win against Kelantan in the Malaysia Cup last 16 second-leg match was the right preparation against Kedah. Plus, there are no injuries as well from that game.”
Japanese midfielder Takahiro Kunimoto is expected to play a key role for JDT against Kedah after an impressive debut against Kelantan where the 26-year-old scored two goals.
JDT will also be banking on Brazilian strikers Heberty Fernandes, Bergson Da Silva and winger Arif Aiman Hanapi.
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain said they would enter the game with a positive mind.
“We’ve five straight wins in the league and the chemistry among the players is getting better,” he said.
“We needed the wins to push for the second spot.
‘‘We have to be positive, determined and double our effort against JDT. When that happens, anything can happen.
“We are facing the best, so we have to be at our best.”
Kedah will look for goals from Nigerian striker Ifedayo Olusegun and some pace and energy from wingers J. Partiban and Argentinian Manuel Hidalgo on the flanks, and creativity from midfielders Filipino international Manuel Ott and Tajikistani international Amirbek Juraboev.
JDT lead the league with 60 points from 20 games, while Kedah are third with 43 points from 20 matches.
