Morais retains believe that JDT can win despite MUFC fortress home stadium

The JDT coach was adamant in his pre match press conference that the past meeting between the two clubs will have little bearing on their Tuesday encounter. Preferring to concentrate on current matters, Morais was at pains to point out that plenty of respect will be afforded to Muangthong but JDT have very little intention to call it quits before a ball has been kicked in anger.

"We can't compare with the 2016 game because that was a different management and different team. We are not focusing on individual players because Muangthong is a good team."

"They play at home and have good record here last season in the Champions League so it will be tough. But that is history, we will fight and we feel we have a chance," said Morais.

As for his counterpart, Totchtawan Sripan - the Muangthong head coach stressed that his side had gone through an intensive but fruitful pre season that will see them ready for the importance match.

"We have quite good pre-season, both in Mekhong Club Championship and LEO Cup. Very effective tryouts indeed. Players now have better tactical understanding. Now we're ready."

"(JDT) Players have better connection between them especially passing which obviously their strong point. These pack are playing and winning together for long time so they're in very high standard.

"But overall, they change a lot from 2 years. So we have not much infos. Their friendly matches in Thailand are close gates. But we're confident we can get through."

Sripan may have lost experienced keeper Kawin Tamsatchanan to Belgian side OH Leuven but can still call upon the influential figures of Teerasil Dangda and Theerathon Bunmathan before their respective departures to the J-League.

The winner between Muangthong and JDT will have to endure another playoff against a strong Kashiwa Reysol of Japan to decide who gets into the 2018 AFC Champions League.