AFC Cup 2016 Semifinal: Johor Darul Ta’zim vs Bengaluru FC - Preview, Team news, Match Timings, TV Listings
Bengaluru FC make the journey to the Tan Sri Hassan Yunos Stadium stadium on Wednesday to face off against a formidable Johor Darul Ta’zim side in the semi-finals of the AFC Cup. The Blues became only the third Indian side to ever reach the semi-finals of the competition and will be looking to make history by going all the way. In their way, stands Malaysian Super League winners, Johor, who have left a trail of destruction behind them by thrashing oppositions left, right and centre in the tournament so far.
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Mario Gomez’s men are yet to lose a game in the competition and have 3 players in the top 10 goalscorers list. Their only dip in form came in the quarterfinals against South China and they will now be looking to get back to their best against Albert Roca’s men.
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Interestingly enough, the 2 sides met earlier this year in the group stages where the Blues were handed a footballing lesson. Under the command of Ashley Westwood at the time, Bengaluru succumbed to a 3-0 defeat in Malaysia followed by a 1-0 defeat on their own turf.
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Albert Roca, who took charge of the Blues this July, has encouraged his side to forget about the past and focus instead on the task at hand. “We cannot look back at the past because the circumstances are different now,” he said. “Johor are strong and unbeaten at home, but we have nothing to lose and will come into this game with no fear.”
Gomez, meanwhile, has cautioned his side against complacency. “Last time (under former coach Ashley Westwood), they played 5-3-2, but now they play 4-4-2,” he said. “Although the majority of the squad are still present, they have strengthened with three new foreign players, especially their new centre midfielder Alvaro Rubio who has good technique.”
The game on Wednesday is set to be the last competitive match at the Tan Sri Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium this year and Johor fans will be hoping their side can sign off in style.
Johor DT vs Bengaluru FC team news:
Bengaluru will be without the services of Lalchhuanmawia Fanai who underwent a knee surgery recently. In his absence, Nishu Kumar will be expected to deputise at left-back. The midfield trio of Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Cameron Watson, and Alvaro Rubio will form the engine of the side and Sunil Chhetri and C.K.Vineeth will lead the attack.
Johor, meanwhile, has no fitness concerns but 9 of their players are sitting on yellow cards and are on the verge of suspension for the second leg.
Johor DT vs Bengaluru FC probable starting lineups
Johor probable XI(4-4-2): Mohd Izham Tarmizi; Mohd Aidil Zafuan, Marcos António, Muhammad Fazly, H. Harun; Mohd Safiq, Kunanlan, Mohd Azammuddin, J. Pereyra Díaz; J. Lucero, Mohd Azinee
Bengaluru FC probable XI(4-1-2-1-2): Amrinder Singh; Rino Anto, Juan Gonzales, John Johnson, Nishu Kumar; Alwyn George, Cameron Watson, Alvaro Rubio, Eugeneson Lyngdoh; Sunil Chhetri, CK Vineeth
Johor DT vs Bengaluru FC prediction
The hosts thrashed an Ashley Westwood led Bengaluru FC side in both legs of the group stages and although this match will definitely be closer, I predict a narrow win for the Malaysian side.
Johor DT vs Bengaluru FC live stream and kickoff
Venue: Tan Sri Hj Hassan Yunos Stadium Stadium
Kickoff: 28th September, 18:00 IST
TV Telecast: Star Sports 2, Star Sports HD 2
Live stream: No live streams are available for the game as per AFC Regulations.