KUALA LUMPUR: Last time out, the Deer were mauled 7-0 by the Southern Tigers. But for Negri Sembilan coach K. Devan, it's not a case of once bitten twice shy when the two teams meet again tomorrow.
He wants his men to show character against Johor Darul Ta'zim in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final first leg at Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium.
Devan wants Negri to have the guts this time, not capitulate in the manner of the seven-goal beating by JDT in a Super League match in Paroi in March.
However, Devan said the team will have to fight without five regulars. Strikers Shahrel Fikri Mohd Fauzi and Anselmo Arruda da Silva, and defender Che Rashid Che Halim are injured. Myanmar international Hein Htet Aung and goalkeeper Sheikh Izhan Nazrel Sheikh Azman are not available following national duties.
However, the Deer will have back Herold Goulon, Zamri Pin Ramli and Izzuddin Roslan from injuries.
"We lost heavily to them the last time we played in Paroi. We want to show character this time. We want to give something to the fans," said Devan.
"We have to play an attacking game, we cannot be defensive. We should not let JDT dictate the game."
Meanwhile JDT coach Esteban Solari is looking for a healthy lead to take home for the second leg despite missing the services of the injured Fernando Forestieri and Leandro Velazquez.
"Even without them, we have been consistent. Against Negri, it's important for us to get a healthy lead but we still need to be careful with Negri who could play differently," said Solari.