Sidelined: Kuala Lumpur’s Sebastian Avanzini (in white) will miss tonight’s match against JDT. — Bernama
PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim’s (JDT) Super League clash with Kuala Lumpur at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in Iskandar Puteri tonight is seen by many as a dress rehearsal for their FA Cup showdown on July 22.
And City Boys coach Bojan Hodak has thrown down the gauntlet to his players to stake a claim for a first XI spot for the Cup final with an impressive show at the Southern Tigers’ den.
If that’s not motivation enough, KL are also fired up to make amends for the 3-0 loss to JDT in their first league meeting at the Cheras Football Stadium on Mar 1.
Hodak said the FA Cup final may still be more than two weeks away but the fight among the players for starting spots for that big night will begin tonight.
“The players will have to start proving themselves, to show that they are worth being in the starting line-up for the FA Cup final. They are motivated to spring a surprise against JDT,’’ said the Croatian.
“But tonight’s match won’t be the only game where they must impress. We still have league matches against Terengganu (July 7) and Negri Sembilan (July 15) before the Cup final. The players must be consistent and also perform well in those two matches to earn their places.’’
KL are heading into the JDT game without some regular players who are out due to suspensions and injuries. The Lambert twins, Declan and Ryan, Giancarlo Gallifuoco, Sebastian Avanzini and goalkeeper Kevin Ray Mendoza won’t be seeing action tonight.
Hodak said the players who have not started often and the ones returning from injuries would get the chance to play.
“This gives more players a chance to fight for starting positions for the FA Cup final.’’
Some of those players in the fray are attackers Haqimi Azim Rosli and J. Partiban, and defender Khair Jones. The three have struggled for more playing time due to injuries and the next three games give them a chance to push for a starting spot in the FA Cup final.
“Last year, too many things happened to Haqimi because he was playing for us and also the national team. It was too much for him and he needed time to adapt. He’s working better at training now, and the same goes for Partiban and Khair.’’
Kuala Lumpur are sixth in the league with 23 points while JDT, who boast a 100% record after 14 games, remain top with 42 points.
