BY ZULHILMI ZAINAL Follow on Twitter
Although Pahang captain Matthew Davies was hesitant to guarantee his side's chances ahead of their second leg FA Cup semi-final encounter against Negeri Sembilan on Saturday when interviewed, he is confident that the match will end in full-time.
In the first leg of the tie at the Darulmakmur Stadium almost two weeks ago, the Tok Gajah recorded a slim 1-0 win in front of their own fans, courtesy of Annas Rahmat's own goal 10 minutes from time.
Interestingly, despite both sides' sterling runs in the competition, they recently are suffering from drops in forms in their respective league competitions. Pahang, currently Super League runners up, have drawn two and lost one of their latest league matches, while Premier League leaders Negeri have drawn all of their last three league encounters.
"The statistics going into the game are interesting. They (Negeri) have had a little drop of form, but at the same time so have we.
"We're looking to get back on track, and a win might certainly help.
"I think there will be goals in this game (on Saturday), I can't see the game going into extra time with Negeri winning 1-0.
"No matter what, there will be goals... I can's see the game going to penalties right now," explained the 22-year old defender to Goal.
When asked about their preferred opponents in the final, Davies was coy about his answer, and told us that their entire focus is simply on overcoming the Deers on Saturday.
"We have no preference right now. It's very much a matter of us wanting to ensure our place in the final is secured.
"After that we'll deal with who our opponents will be. Right now we're putting everything into making sure we get in the final," he responded.
With the possibility that Pahang will lift their third ever FA Cup title this year, and compete in the 2018 AFC Cup, we asked Davies about the side's preparedness for the continental competition, if they qualify for it.
"I think the squad will be ready, because in the past few years although we've had good starting elevens, we lacked the depth needed to compete in the AFC (Cup).
"And this year I certainly see that we have a bigger squad and quality players on the bench. If we were to compete (in the AFC Cup), we'll have the strength that is necessary," said the former Perth Glory man.