KUALA LUMPUR: A depleted KL City will face a tough test when they take on Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Malaysia Cup quarter-final first leg at the KLFA Stadium in Cheras tomorrow (Dec 13).
It will be their second clash in just five days, with JDT having secured a convincing 3-0 victory in a Super League match at the Sultan Ibrahim Stadium on Dec 8.
The City Boys will be further tested as key players, including captain Paulo Josue, Declan Lambert, and Haqimi Azim Rosli, are on international duty with Harimau Malaya at the Asean Cup, while Patrick Reichelt is representing the Philippines.
Their absence leaves KL City coach Miroslav Kuljanac with limited options, particularly with Josue and Haqimi contributing 16 goals this season.
"It's difficult because they are first-choice players. Now, we have fewer options on the bench, so it's not easy," said Kuljanac.
Meanwhile, JDT coach Hector Bidoglio remains in a strong position, as none of his players have been called up for international duty.
Bidoglio is confident his team can maintain their momentum and avoid complacency.
"KL City tend to play deep, making it hard for our players to find space. However, JDT never lose their ideas. We'll keep moving the ball and attacking with urgency," said Bidoglio.
Malaysia Cup
Quarter-finals (1st leg)
Tomorrow (Dec 13)
PERAK v SRI PAHANG
(Manjung Municipal Council Stadium, 8:30pm)
KL CITY v JDT
(KLFA Stadium, 9pm)
Saturday (Dec 14)
NEGRI SEMBILAN v TERENGGANU
(Tuanku Abdul Rahman Stadium, 5pm)
Sunday (Dec 15)
KUCHING CITY v SABAH
(State Stadium, 8:15pm)