No target has been set for the Young Tigers at the Sultan of Johor Cup (SoJC), though they will be powered by nine players from last year's Junior World Cup.
The nine are goalkeepers Rafaizul Saini and Danish Afnan Faizal, defender Andywalfian Jeffrynus, midfielders Danish Danial Abdul Wahab, Adam Ashraf Johari, Addy Jazmi Jamlus and forwards Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar, Che Nur Aqilrullah Che Khairulzi Anwar and Harris Iskandar Osman.
Malaysia, Australia, Great Britain, India, Japan and New Zealand will feature in the Under-21 tournament at Taman Daya Stadium in Johor Baru from Oct 19-26.
National juniors coach I. Vickneswaran said yesterday that they have not set a target for the SoJC.
"Doing so will put unnecessary pressure on the team as this is their first tournament.
"The only exposure the juniors had was playing four matches against their Australian counterparts and two clubs in August.
"The teams competing in SoJC are very strong. Great Britain have qualified for next year's Junior World Cup by finishing top five in the European Junior tournament in Spain in July.
"Australia have always been strong at junior level and have won the SoJC, while India and Japan have a few junior players who have played for their respective senior teams.
"But I can give my assurance that my boys will give their best in every match as they are well disciplined, dedicated and have a strong fighting spirit.
"We are not sure of the strength of the New Zealand team, but we hope to get a good start against the Kiwis on Oct 19."
Malaysia's other matches are against Japan (Oct 20), India (Oct 22), Great Britain (Oct 23) and Australia (Oct 25).
"We are using the SoJC to prepare for the Junior Asia Cup in Muscat from Nov 26 to Dec 4," said Vickneswaran.
The 20-player squad comprise:
Goalkeepers: Rafaizul Saini, Khairul Amirin Kamarul Azlan, Danish Afnan Faizal
Defenders: Andywalfian Jeffrynus, Zulhanif Safran, Aqil Danial Mat Ruslee, Disairul Fazrien Nazrien, Nabil Irfan Yusof.
Midfielders: Khairul Norizam, Danish Danial Abdul Wahab, Adam Ashraf Johari, Addy Jazmi Jamlus, Handzalah Abdul Hadi, Aiman Safwan Hisham
Danish Aiman Khairil Anuar, Che Nur Aqilrullah Che Khairulzi Anwar, Harris Iskandar Osman, Azimuddin Syakir Kamaruddin, Yadiy Saifuddin, Naaveennash Panicker