KUALA LUMPUR: Of the eight Malaysia Cup matches in the round of 16, every team would probably want to avoid the one involving nine times Super League champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT).
The unwanted spot ultimately fell to PJ City who will welcome the Southern Tigers to the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium for the first leg tomorrow.
Yet this tie may not be done and dusted as fans and observers may think it is, given that PJ City historically have a decent record against JDT, not least holding their own in a 2-2 draw back in Sept 15.
This first leg encounter will hold special meaning for PJ City as this will be the first game since the death of Rajes Perumal, one of the most well-liked players in the team following an accident.
PJ City have promised that the proceeds from this match will go to Rajes' family as a tribute.
At the other end, this match will represent the first in a competition that could enable JDT the chance to secure an unprecedented treble after winning the Super League and FA Cup earlier this season.
Considered to be in a favourable side of the draw, two-time Malaysia Cup winners JDT are expected to meet Sabah in the semi-finals.
Last year's Malaysia Cup final setback against Kuala Lumpur City will serve as a motivating factor for the Southern Tigers to do well in the competition this year, but they will have to be wary of PJ City.
"We got a 2-2 draw in the league and it's undeniable that PJ City got their own aura when playing at home so we have to be aware of the game tactics which they can show," said Bidoglio.
"Facing them in the cup will be different to facing them in the league. Everyone including JDT wants to win this cup, of course more for so us after last year's disappointment."
Feroz Baharudin, Hong Wan, Safawi Rasid and Ramadhan Saifullah are among those fringe players on JDT's squad who will be looking to get the nod from Hector Bidoglio with PJ City's 10-goal striker Darren Lok out to hurt his former club.
It will be a relative success should PJ City be able to go into the second leg at Sultan Ibrahim Stadium level with JDT in the tie, but they will first need to make full use of home advantage.