Coach Mehmet Durakovic will be looking to avenge one of Selangor's worst thrashings in recent memory when they face local rivals Felda United in Group C of the 2015 Malaysia Cup on Saturday night.
In last season's competition, the Red Giants suffered a shock 4-0 defeat to Felda in their quarterfinal first leg at Shah Alam Stadium as Australian striker Ndumba Makeche grabbed a hat-trick.
Selangor partially avenged that painful defeat by eliminating Felda from the Malaysia FA Cup in February, but Durakovic knows how dangerous Irfan Bakti's side can be in a tough group that also includes Kelantan FA and T-Team.
"Experience-wise and financially-wise, Felda are way ahead of us with very good locals and foreigners who have been together for a number of years," Durakovic told ESPN FC.
"This year we've had a win and a draw against them, but it's always close and it's not going to be easy against them on Saturday night."
Durakovic admitted that he was desperate for three points after an opening defeat to Kelantan placed Selangor under pressure, even though they responded with a 1-0 win at T-Team last weekend.
"This is a very important home game because if we beat Felda we are right there where we want to be," he said.
"This is a group of death because anyone can beat anyone on their day, even T-Team."
Durakovic will test the fitness of midfielders S. Veenod (elbow) and K. Gurusamy (hamstring) before finalising his side.
While the burden of goal scoring has been spread across the whole team after Paulo Rangel's pre-season departure for Terengganu, Durakovic said he was satisfied with the effort put in by front men Guilherme and Afiq Azmi this season. Selangor finished a strong third in the Malaysia Super League, behind Johor Darul Ta'zim and Pahang.
Brazilian Guilherme scored the winner at T-Team last week, with a 51st minute goal in the crucial 1-0 road win and has received strong support from Perlis-born Afiq.
"Afiq has done extremely well," Durakovic said. "He's big, strong and committed and has done well. Give him a chance and he's proven what he can do."
Durakovic added that the return last week of English-born centre-back Robbie Cornthwaite was another plus for the Red Giants who are trying to win the Malaysia Cup for a record 33rd time. However, they are winless in the competition since 2005.
In the other Group C game on Saturday night, winless T-Team host Kelantan, who have experienced defender Jon McKain suspended.