AFC Champions League

JDT Welcome Suwon Bluewings to Sultan Ibrahim Stadium

Omar Zin

Football Tribe Malaysia

 

Malaysian Super League champions Johor Darul Ta’zim (JDT) will hope to bounce back from defeat as they welcomed Suwon Samsung Bluewings to the brand new Sultan Ibrahim Stadium in the second game in Group G of the AFC Champions League.

While JDT have suffered a heavy 5-1 defeat to Japanese outfit Vissel Kobe, Suwon only lost 1-0 to the same side two weeks ago.

Despite that, JDT began the league title defense with a remarkable 1-0 win over Kedah in the Charity Cup, their third successive title and their first-ever win at their new home.

JDT coach Benjamin Mora confirmed there won’t be many changes to the starting line-up and he hopes players will give a good fight.

He also named Sulejman Krpic, Yeom Ki-hun, Terry Antonis and Adam Taggart as attacking threats to JDT.

Meanwhile, Suwon coach Lee Lim-Saeng is concerned about his team’s form, since the last time they played a competitive football was against Vissel Kobe as the K-League is currently suspended due to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) outbreak.

Players to Watch

Johor Darul Ta’zim: Safawi Rasid is expected to continue his goalscoring form in AFC Champions League.  Meanwhile, Mauricio was the man of the match in Charity Cup after his impressive performance against Kedah, and fans hope he could continue his fine form against Suwon

Suwon Bluewings: Adam Taggart is the top scorer in the K-League last season, registering 20 goals in his first campaign in Korea. Bosnian striker Sulejman Krpic is the new addition to Suwon and he will be looking to impress his side this season.

Match Facts

JDT have lost five of their seven games in the AFC Champions League, while Suwon have lost three and are winless in their last four games.

The last time JDT faced a South Korean opponent at home was last season when they held Gyeongnam FC to a 1-1 draw and secured their first-ever point in the AFC Champions League.