ALOR STAR: Kedah captain Baddrol Bakhtiar considers his team to be the underdogs when they clash with Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) for the Charity Shield, which is also the Super League season opener, at the Larkin Stadium on Saturday.
Baddrol expects it to be a tough match as he considers the home side as a team who are strong in every position on the field.
"We will be the underdogs at Larkin but we will do our best to defend the Charity Shield," said Baddrol.
"We know JDT will go all out to make up for their loss to us last year and they will also want to bounce back from losing to Muangthong United in the AFC Champions League recently.
"Obviously it won't be easy but if everything goes to plan, the Cup will come back home with us to Darul Aman."
Kedah edged JDT on penalties to win the Sultan Ahmad Shah Cup (Charity Shield) at the Larkin Stadium last year.
Baddrol added that the team's pre-season preparation has gone smoothly under new coach Ramon Marcote.
"Our preparation has been more focused on the new tactical and training methods introduced by our new coach and we have been given a feel of the changes during our pre-season friendly matches."
Marcote has utilised a mix of young and older senior players in the pre-season friendlies Kedah have played since Jan 8.
Translated from Berita Harian