Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) coach Ulisses Morais says the Malaysia Cup showdown against Selangor will be to consolidate their position as Group D leaders, rather than a revenge mission.
The two sides face off on Saturday, with Selangor looking for a third consecutive win against the reigning Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions.
After edging them 3-2 in the first Malaysia Cup game on July 18, Selangor again got the better of JDT with a 2-1 victory in the league on Aug. 5.
"This is not a revenge mission after us losing twice to Selangor. Rather, we are focused on getting that top spot," Morais told Berita Harian.
"But at the same time, we cannot lose to Selangor again. The players must show commitment to win the game, especially with us having home ground advantage."
Despite losing that league clash, Morais' men went on to clinch their fourth consecutive MSL title after closest rivals Kedah slipped up.
Both teams, who are already through to the last eight of the Malaysia Cup after eliminating Terengganu and Sarawak, are now battling for top spot as they sit level on 10 points.
Malaysia's domestic campaign resumes after more than a month's break due to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur followed by the international break.
A few teams still have work to do to make the quarterfinals, none more than four-time champions Pahang, who welcome the visit of T-Team.
The Elephants looked like crashing out at one stage. But a 6-0 thrashing of group leaders PKNP FC before the break bumped them into second spot in Group A on six points. Negeri Sembilan, only a point behind Pahang, take on PKNP in Paroi.
Group B is also a battle to determine who finishes as group winners, with Perak and Felda United already through to the knockout round. They face off at Perak Stadium, while the already-eliminated Kuala Lumpur and PKNS FC will take to the pitch merely to complete their group fixtures.
Kedah will be crowned Group C winners should they beat Kelantan at home. Melaka United, in second, will also look to seal qualification with victory against UiTm FC.
Malaysia Cup (Saturday)
Group A
Pahang vs. T-Team
Negeri Sembilan vs. PKNP FC
Group B
Perak vs. Felda United
Kuala Lumpur vs. PKNS FC
Group C
Kedah vs. Kelantan
Uitm FC vs. Melaka United
Group D
JDT vs. Selangor
Terengganu vs. Sarawak