Felda United boss Irfan Bakti is convinced his men can live up to enormous expectations in the Malaysia Super League (MSL) top-of-the-table clash against leaders Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) on Wednesday night.
Only a home victory will suffice for the Fighters, who trail their illustrious opponents by four points, with only four matches remaining.
While acknowledging the quality of the Southern Tigers, Irfan knows his men stand on equal ground in terms of form, with an unbeaten MSL run since April.
"JDT have quality players in every department. If we compare 11 versus 11, they are better individually. But football is a team effort, and all my players have been solid as a unit this season. We have no stars, but our team spirit has been immense. I hope they will deliver another big performance on Wednesday," Irfan told ESPN FC.
One of Felda's resounding success stories this season has been their sturdy backline led by captain Shukor Adan. Felda have leaked only 17 goals, the MSL's second lowest, behind JDT.
JDT have already won the Charity Shield and FA Cup this season, and have a good chance of successfully defending their AFC Cup crown. They will face Hong Kong's South China in the quarterfinals over two legs in September.
"Shukor's commands saves us up to 20 percent of energy during a game. He has been a true leader in every sense, and I know he is ready to inspire the team again," said Irfan, who gave the centre back just 45 minutes in the Malaysia Cup against Negeri Sembilan on Friday.
Irfan, 65, will also reinstate the dynamic duo of Zah Rahan Krangar and Francis Forkey Doe, after the Liberians were rested for the final Group D game. Krangar and Doe have scored 22 league goals between them this season, and they will be tasked to breach a JDT backline which has conceded just 10 times in the MSL.
But the Fighters will have to make do without midfielders Lutfulla Turaev and Christie Jayaseelan. The latter will miss the remainder of the season after he was stretched off in the 2-0 loss in Seremban.
"Christie took an elbow against Negeri and the injury has ruled him for two months," Iran said. "But I have replacements in Syamim [Yahya] and Hadin [Azman], who will be able to deputise quite nicely."
Irfan also wants the impeccable Tun Abdul Razak Stadium in Jengka to be filled to capacity, as he looks to his men to blast the title race wide open by toppling against the leaders.
"Four points is a big margin, but if we win anything can happen. I hope the fans turn up in numbers to support us, and both teams will give them an entertaining game."