Reigning Singapore League Cup champions Albirex Niigata (S) have been handed a tricky route to the semifinals after being drawn in Group B alongside Home United, Geylang International and Balestier Khalsa.
The White Swans who were crowned champions last year after beating the Tigers 2-1 in the final, have set their sights on retaining the title this year, but will have to be at their best in order to avoid a shock group-stage exit.
The draw for the League Cup, which was made on Wednesday afternoon, saw them go into Group B alongside Ken Ilso's Home United, 2013 champions Balestier and a resurgent Geylang outfit.
Meanwhile, Group A consists of Tampines Rovers, 2014 winners Brunei DPMM FC, Hougang United and nine-time S.League champions Warriors FC.
Although Albirex are currently challenging for silverware on three fronts, coach Naoki Naruo is confident they have what it takes to juggle their commitments.
"We have already said this year that our target is to win all the titles," he told ESPN FC.
"When the League Cup arrives, we'll do our best to win that and, after that, we'll be able to turn our attention back to the S.League."
While Balestier coach Marko Kraljevic admits Albirex will be the team to beat, he sees no reason why his side cannot aim to bring some much-needed cheer to their campaign by eyeing a cup run.
"Yes, why not?" replied the Croat, when asked if his side's past success in the tournament would give them confidence.
"If you take out Albirex, who are really the team to beat at the moment, I think the rest of the teams are equal.
"Hopefully they don't keep up their current form for long but, right now, it's the three of us fighting for second place in the group.
"We've won the League Cup before and last year we reached the final, so the cup competitions are always good for a small club like us, who can reach the final by just winning a few games."
While many have already identified Group B as the "Group of Death", Warriors goalkeeper Yazid Yasin insists Group A will be equally enthralling.
"I believe every game will be tough but we have a decent chance of finishing inside the top two and qualifying for the semifinals," said the experienced 36-year-old, who won the tournament with the now-defunct Woodlands Wellington in 2007.
"We'll just try to win each game that comes our way and hopefully we stand a chance of winning some silverware."
The format of this year's League Cup will see the top two in each group advance to the semi-finals of the main competition, while the bottom-placed sides will meet to challenge for the Plate.
GROUP A: Warriors FC, Hougang United, Brunei DPMM FC, Tampines Rovers
GROUP B: Geylang International, Albirex Niigata (S), Balestier Khalsa, Home United