KUALA LUMPUR: Starting tomorrow, Penang and Kedah will be involved in a Northern derby trilogy.
After the Super League clash at City Stadium, the Panthers will again host the Red Eagles in the FA Cup quarter-finalfirst leg on June 28, with the return leg on July 5 at Darul Aman Stadium.
Penang coach Akmal Rizal Rakhli said: "Facing Kedah is always challenging, but we are determined not to falter. There's a lot at stake for us."
Kedah coach Nafuzi Zain has rallied his men to rise from their current 11th position in the Super League.
"Penang's morale is high after their recent triumph against Sri Pahang in a thrilling penalty shootout.
"However, we are prepared and motivated to deliver a strong performance," said Nafuzi.
Meanwhile Sri Pahang aim to end their poor record against Johor Darul Ta'zim. Sri Pahang did not win any match in their last five meetings with JDT. The closest they came to was a goalless draw in 2022. The last time Sri Pahang beat JDT was in the FA Cup in 2014.
The Elephants hope the debut strike partnership of Kpah Sherman and Mykola Ahapov can hurt the Southern Tigers.
"Sherman and Ahapov joining forces for the first time could prove pivotal in our quest for victory,"
said Sri Pahang coach Fandi Ahmad.
FIXTURES
SUPER LEAGUE
TOMORROW
JDT v SRI PAHANG
(Sultan Ibrahim Stadium, 5:30pm)
KUCHING CITY v TERENGGANU
(State Stadium, 8:15pm)
PENANG v KEDAH
(City Stadium, 9pm)
SUNDAY
SELANGOR v PERAK
(MBPJ Stadium, 5:30pm)
KELANTAN DARUL NAIM v POLICE
(Sultan Muhd IV Stadium, 9pm)