Sailors out to sink JDT in Causeway battle
The Sailors suffered two defeats to JDT in friendlies last year — 4-0 in April and 1-0 in November — but coach Aleksandar Rankovic believes things will be different in a competitive setting.
Rankovic, who guided his side to runners-up in the AFC Champions League 2 last season, is confident the Sailors are better prepared this time despite injury concerns.
Captain Hariss Harun and defender Bailey Wright are both expected to miss out.
"Last season we crashed out in the group stage, and of course, we don't want that to happen again," said the Serbian.
"It's not easy as our first two matches are away, but that's no excuse. Tomorrow is the beginning of everything.
"Friendlies don't mean anything — the squad and pressure are different. JDT always win big at home, they're one of the strongest clubs in the region, but we want to steal points."
The Sailors head into the tie buoyed by their domestic double last season, winning both the Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup.
JDT, meanwhile, swept all before them in Malaysia, lifting the Super League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and Charity Shield.
JDT coach Xisco Munoz is wary of his Causeway rivals but is confident of a strong start.
Spanish winger Samuel Castillejo is the only injury doubt.
"One of the most important things for me is how we start the game," said Munoz.
"We need to give our best performance from the first minute to the last.
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Sailors out to sink JDT in Causeway battle
KUALA LUMPUR: Singapore's Lion City Sailors insist they will not be overawed when they face regional giants Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Asean Club Championship Group B clash at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Thursday. The Sailors suffered two defeats to JDT in friendlies last year — 4-0 in April and 1-0 in November — but coach Aleksandar Rankovic believes things will be different in a competitive setting. Rankovic, who guided his side to runners-up in the AFC Champions League 2 last season, is confident the Sailors are better prepared this time despite injury concerns. Captain Hariss Harun and defender Bailey Wright are both expected to miss out. "Last season we crashed out in the group stage, and of course, we don't want that to happen again," said the Serbian. "It's not easy as our first two matches are away, but that's no excuse. Tomorrow is the beginning of everything. "Friendlies don't mean anything — the squad and pressure are different. JDT always win big at home, they're one of the strongest clubs in the region, but we want to steal points." The Sailors head into the tie buoyed by their domestic double last season, winning both the Singapore Premier League and Singapore Cup. JDT, meanwhile, swept all before them in Malaysia, lifting the Super League, FA Cup, Malaysia Cup and Charity Shield. JDT coach Xisco Munoz is wary of his Causeway rivals but is confident of a strong start. Spanish winger Samuel Castillejo is the only injury doubt. "One of the most important things for me is how we start the game," said Munoz. "We need to give our best performance from the first minute to the last.
