The Malaysia FA Cup third round is set for some tasty ties in the first weekend in March, including a showdown between Malaysia Super League (MSL) champions Johor Darul Ta'zim (JDT) and early Premier League title favourites Negeri Sembilan.
The Southern Tigers will have full intentions of adding the cup to their collection this year, having finished as runners-up in 2013, and having lifted the 2016 Charity Shield last weekend.
But they will face a stiff test against Gary Phillips' side, who are powered by four former A-League players plus two naturalised players in Daniel Ting and Kevin Gunter. The Jangs are also unbeaten in the Premier League and will look at this tie as chance for a giant kill.
Negeri Sembilan won 2-0 at third tier Sungai Ara FC on Saturday after JDT accounted for underdogs UiTM 5-0 the day before.
Other ties will see all Malaysian Super League encounters between Kedah and Kelantan and Selangor and PDRM, while the face off between high fliers Perlis and Kuala Lumpur is also bound to see goals.
Carlos Kahe repaid some of Kedah's big gamble on him with a hat trick in the 8-0 triumph against Selangor Megah Murni F.C. in the second round on Friday night which had coach Tan Cheng Hoe declaring the striker is ready to make an impact in the MSL.
The Brazilian was signed based on his countryman and teammate Sandro Da Silva's recommendation to replace Chidi Edeh, who inspired the Red Hawks to the Malaysia Cup final last season, but was constantly plagued with injuries.
"The fans were initially suspect of his scoring abilities, but I have seen his talent in training and he is beginning to show his killer instincts. He still needs time to adapt to the Malaysian climate and culture, but I am confident he will make an impact for us this year," said Tan.
The Premier League champions say they can't wait to play northern giants Kelantan in the FA Cup, having faced them less that a week earlier in the MSL.
"It won't be easy to play the same team in quick succession, but we have home advantage for the league game, and hopefully that will boost us to go for an advantage before the cup game," said Tan.
This year's FA Cup will see new champions because Singapore's LionsXII, who won the title last year, are not longer plying their trade in Malaysian football.
FA Cup third round (Matches played March 4 and 5)
Kedah vs. Kelantan
JDT vs. Negeri Sembilan
Perak vs. Kuantan FA
Perlis vs. Kuala Lumpur
PKNS vs. Felda United
Sabah vs. ATM FA
Pahang vs. Sime Darby
PDRM FA vs. Selangor