Football

JDT wary of Police ambush

JOHOR BAHRU: Police have been blazing their way in the Super League, and even Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) coach Esteban Solari has good reason to be wary of them.

Hence, when the Southern Tigers take on the Cops in the FA Cup last 16 at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium tomorrow, JDT will approach with caution.

Police look lethal this season, having caused several upsets to lie seventh in the 14-team table with three wins and one draw.

"Police are a strong team, they beat Kedah (1-0) in the league, and you don't beat Kedah if you are not a good team. And Kedah is good," said Solari.

"Everybody wants to beat JDT, it's challenge for us," added Argentine Solari whose team are the FA Cup defending champions.

Today's game will give Solari a chance to probe the Police side before their Super League meeting five days later.

"We will monitor Police's tactics. They can give us a challenge because they have nothing to lose, and they will want to cause an upset."

Police coach Azzmi Aziz indicated that his side will likely "park the bus" at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium.

"We have to be realistic, we want to minimise the (goals conceded) margin, but it's not going to be easy.

"Maybe JDT are looking to break another record by scoring the most goals or something like that this season.

"We are ready to defend, that's all," said Azzmi.

Since 2015, JDT had beaten Police four times in five league meetings

and twice in the FA Cup.

Police's big losses were 5-2 to JDT in the 2016 FA Cup quarter-final second-leg, and 4-0 in a 2016 Super League game.

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