KUALA LUMPUR: Japan's Urawa Red Diamonds will not be in for an easy ride when they entertain Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) in the Asian Champions League (ACL) last-16 clash at Saitama Stadium on Friday.
JDT, who defied the odds to reach the ACL knockout stage by topping Group I in April, are in fiery form this year.
The Southern Tigers comfortably lead the Super League and have reached the FA Cup final.
However, Urawa, led by former Swedish international David Karlsson, have a rich ACL history, winning the title twice in 2007 and 2017 and finishing runners-up in 2019. They are currently seventh in the J1 League.
Former Kedah coach Azraai Khor said JDT's lethal combination of Bergson da Silva and Fernando Forestieri could be the key on Friday.
"In the M-League, no defenders can stop Da Silva and Forestieri from banging in goals. The pair are the best strike force in the league and probably one of the best in Asia," said Azraai.
Da Silva and Forestieri have scored 44 goals between them so far in all competitions this season.
Brazilian Da Silva is the leading Super League scorer with 17 goals, while former Serie A player Forestieri has 12. In the FA Cup, Forestieri has done better with six goals, while Da Silva has one with the final coming up.
In the ACL, Da Silva was on fire with six goals in as many Group I matches in April, with Forestieri netting just once.
JDT have been in Japan since Sunday to prepare for the game.
"Arriving early in Japan shows they are hungry and eager to do well in the ACL. They want to be prepared and adjust to the weather before taking on a very good Japanese side.
"Although they have a new coach in Hector Bidoglio, it is not a problem because the club have a technical team to provide information on Urawa.
"I like JDT's way of preparing for matches. They are very professional in all aspects."
Azraai said JDT should not feel inferior but play confidently against Urawa, who are not unbeatable.
Urawa were sixth last season in the J1 but won the Emperor's Cup last season.
"We know Urawa's history, but JDT have a technical team that would have studied the opponent's strengths.
"They have the vision and ambition to go far, matched with this season's new recruits who can produce results.
"JDT just have to be disciplined tactically on Friday. The main thing is to close down Urawa's strong points in the game," Azraai added.
