Persija Jakarta vs Johor Darul Ta’zim: Crunch time in the AFC Cup
When Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) opened their 2018 AFC Cup campaign with a 3-0 home win over Persija Jakarta, it seemed like an indicator how things would be for both teams.
Yet it hasn’t been the case for either side.
While JDT haven’t looked as convincing since the win in February, Persija Jakarta have revived their chances of progressing to the knockout stages. Add Vietnamese side Song Lam Nghe An into the mix and it becomes a tight three-way battle for top spot.
All three teams are level on seven points with two games remaining. A win for JDT on Tuesday will guarantee at least second place in the group due to their head-to-head record with the Indonesia, but it may not be enough to progress to the ASEAN Zonal semi-final.
Only group winners are guaranteed a place in the next round while the final berth would be filled by the best second-placed team. JDT progressed into the next round via the second place route in 2017 but Singapore’s Home United in Group F appears a strong contender this time around.
A draw in Jakarta will leave JDT needing a final day win at home against Song Lam, who won the reverse tie 2-0. Song Lam are expected to collect maximum points against Tampines Rovers at home.
TEAM NEWS
Having rested several players during the reverse tie because of domestic obligations, Persija are expected to put out their strongest in front of their passionate ‘Jakamania’ fans.
The Indonesians suffered a shock 3-1 loss to PSMS in the Liga 1 Indonesia on Friday but they were quick to turn their attention to the AFC Cup, with the likes of Marko Simic, Bambang Pamungkas and co. looking to bounce back on Tuesday.
JDT meanwhile, were held 0-0 by Pahang in the FA Cup quarter-final first leg on Friday.
The Southern Tigers will need Gonzalo Cabrera, Safiq Rahim and Natxo Insa to step up and control the game for the visitors, who are lacking options up front after Jorge Pereyra Diaz left the club.
JDT are expected to ring several changes from the line-up that faced Pahang but with stakes running high, Raul Longhi may be hesitant to make wholesale changes.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marko Simic: The forward has goals in him and having played for Melaka United and Negeri Sembilan in Malaysia last year, Simic could be pumped up to prove a point. Simic missed the 3-0 opening day defeat to JDT, but a hattrick against Tampines got his campaign going.
Safiq Rahim: The JDT skipper is a vital part their midfield and has bags of experience. Safiq, once named the most valuable player of this competition, is unlikely to be overawed by the occasion.
PREDICTION
Persija Jakarta 1 JDT 0: Lacking firepower in the final third, the visitors will rely on their defence to keep things tight while Persija will be rallied by the home crowd.
Courtesy : fourfourtwo.com
Photo : Superball.ID
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