Jumbo task ahead

Positive thinking: Johor Darul Ta’zim winger Safawi Rasid (left) is expecting another tensed atmosphere against Pahang but reckons his teammates will rise to the occasion. — Bernama

PETALING JAYA: Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) hotshot winger Safawi Rasid is banking on home support to sway the outcome of their Super League top-of-the-table clash against Pahang in their favour at the Larkin Stadium tonight.

Five points separate top-ranked JDT and Pahang in the 12-team standing and another three points at home will give the hosts a comfortable lead.

The Southern Tigers hold a 72-match unbeaten record in the Super League and have won 25 wins in a row at home.

They are also on a buoyant mood following their 1-0 win over AFC Champions League defending champions Kashima Antlers in their penultimate Group E in Larkin on May 8.

Safawi is expecting another tensed atmosphere but reckons his teammates will rise to the occasion.

“All the teams play their best when they face us so we can’t afford to make any mistakes. We need to raise our game against our opponents,” said Safawi.

“Our fans will be there and we want to get the three points to have a breathing space ahead of Pahang in the league standings.”

“We played with 10-men against Pahang in our last match and we dominated.

“If we can produce the same performance we can win.”

Safawi said Nigerian Dickson Nwakaeme, midfielder Azam Azih and French centreback Herold Goulon would be the JDT players to watch out for.

“Pahang are strong but I’ll be wary of Azam and Nwakaeme.

“Goulon is physically imposing and we’ll need to come with a plan to beat him.”

Undeterred by their opponents’ reputation, Pahang are plotting to rain on JDT’s parade in Larkin.

The Elephants’ injured players – Nwakaeme and Singaporean midfielder Safuwan Baharuddin – are back in the squad.

The East Coast side are also riding high after their sensational 4-0 win over Terengganu in the second leg of the FA Cup quarter-final in Kuantan on May 10 to advance to the semi-finals with a 4-2 aggregate win.