Johor Darul Ta'zim host Group F toppers Global FC in their third AFC Cup 2017 clash at the Tan Sri Dato Haji Hassan Stadium in Johor on Tuesday.
The hosts are heading into the game after an impressive 4-0 win over University Technology Malaysia in their FA Cup clash last Saturday. On the other hand, Global, who have not begun their United Football League season yet, outclassed Boeung Ket Angkor 2-0 in their last AFC Cup game on 7 March.
Benjamin Mora's team have stitched a six-match unbeaten streak since their win against Boeung Ket on 21 February. JDT though would have rued being held to a 1-1 draw against Magwe earlier this month even after having a 1-0 lead until the 89th minute, in which the Myanmar team pulled one goal back to snatch a point.
The 2015 champions would thus want to make sure they rise to the top of Group F as early as possible. Argentine imports Gabriel Guerra and Brian Ferreira have combined well and are ably supported by the likes of skipper Safiq Rahim. Coach Mora's decision to keep rotating his squad has also helped players remain fresh for important clashes.
On the other hand, Toshiaki Imai's side have found a lot of success so far after missing out on a AFC Champions League spot following a 6-0 defeat to Australia's Brisbane Roar. With the likes of Filipino stars Paul Mulders and Matthew Hartmann hitting peak form early in the season and the addition of Japanese imports Shu Sasaki and Ahmad Azzawi will give them the edge over the hosts on Tuesday.
However, JDT, who have not lost a AFC Cup game at home since the start of their 2015 campaign (over 11 matches), will be hoping to snatch another three points and top the group in their fortress.
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Team News
JDT
Possible XI: Tarmizi; Nasrulhaq, Nadher, Antonio, Kunalan; Mahalli, Amirulhadi, Shakir, Guerra, Gopinathan; Ferreira
Global
Possible XI: Deyto; Hartmann, Bahadoran, Villanueva, Casambre; Barbaso, Minegishi, Mulders, Aguinaldo; Sasaki, Azzawi
