Johor DT may be struggling to hit a consistent patch of form in the Super League, but they’ve been nothing short of stupendous in the AFC competitions. Remove their loss to Bangkok Glass out of the equation, and they’ve won every other regional match thus far, and currently sit on top of Group F in the Asian Cup, with 6 points from their first two games.
But their opponents this weekend, will not be pushovers. Kitchee FC may only have 4 points now, but that certainly does not speak the full volume of their true credentials; especially when they play at home. While Johor DT required a last-minute strike to edge past Balestier Khalsa last week, Kitchee eased past them prior to that, winning 3-0 besides completely dominating this game.
Kitchee will also be favourites, considering that Johor will head into this game, on the back of a frustrating 1-1 draw against Sime Darby last weekend. The absence of Jorge Diaz and Lucho Figueroa certainly appears to be taking its toll; which begs the question of whether they would be able to maintain their 100% in the AFC Cup on Tuesday night.
The home side will be spearheaded by Spanish forward Juan Belencoso, who was their top scorer last year, with 20 goals in 18 matches. But judging by Johor DT’s lack of firepower in recent games, they will be far more compelled to analyze the playing style of South Korean defender Kim Tae-min.
Kitchee will evidently be keeping an eye on Safiq Rahim, who continues to influence Johor DT’s movements with his free-role in the middle of the park, though Amri Yahya will be another man to watch, should he feature in this one. The experienced forward can be slick when it comes to his movement, and that could turn out to be the perfect catalyst for JDT in maneuvering past Kitchee’s tall defenders.
While Kitchee may boast a group of talented foreign players, Johor DT have the ability and potential to clinch this one, should they continue their excellent form in the AFC competitions. Victory here wouldn’t only give them 3 points, but it will also put them on the brink of qualification to the next stage.
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