Pdrm vs Johor Darul Takzim FC Match Preview - Jan 18, 2026

In the high-octane world of knockout football, Pdrm find themselves backed into a corner against the powerhouse Johor Darul Takzim FC in the Round of 16 of the Malaysia Cup. One team is treading water, desperately seeking to turn around a run of poor form while the other rides a wave of momentum like it's a championship parade. This isn't just another game; it's a brutal clash of survival where losing means packing up for the season and watching from the sidelines as others chase glory.

Pdrm are about as close to rock bottom as one can get without bringing a shovel. They've suffered five straight losses, including an alarming 0-3 defeat to Melaka just days ago. It's not so much a question of tactical issues but rather an existential crisis on the pitch-scoring has become about as common for them as finding a needle in a haystack. A solitary goal scored over those five matches is nothing short of abysmal, while they've conceded ten in that same span. When your defense looks like Swiss cheese, you're bound to have problems against an attacking juggernaut like Johor.

On the flip side, Johor are flying high after four consecutive victories that suggest they're hitting their stride just in time for this showdown. With an offense firing on all cylinders-especially through their star man Bergson, who recently netted two goals against Kuching FA-they're marching into this match with confidence that's palpable even from across the pitch. Their defensive record has also been stellar; only one goal conceded in their last five matches paints them as both lethal and resilient.

Now, let's talk numbers because every good narrative needs its backbone made of data. Looking at possession statistics, Johor typically dominate ball control, averaging over 60% possession across their recent matches-a key advantage when facing off against a team struggling to regain any semblance of form. This isn't merely about holding onto the ball; it's about dictating tempo and controlling the flow of play. Pdrm will need to hope for some extraordinary counter-attacking magic or set-piece wizardry if they aim to disrupt Johor's rhythm.

Shooting statistics further bolster Johor's case; they've outshot opponents significantly during their current streak-notching multiple games with double-digit shots while Pdrm has rarely threatened opposing keepers with more than a handful each match. Simply put: If Pdrm don't start taking more meaningful shots on target, this could be over before half-time.

Defensively, Pdrm's frailties shine through bright and clear: They are consistently caught out with low tackle success rates and have often found themselves chasing shadows rather than executing effective defensive duties. While Cristián Glauder and his fellow defenders have kept things tight for Johor-contributing heavily to their solid backline-Pdrm's defenders look ready for an early holiday unless they make some drastic improvements.

The head-to-head history between these two teams offers little hope for Pdrm fans either; in their most recent encounter back in October 2025, Johor steamrolled Pdrm with a crushing 7-0 victory that showcased everything wrong with Pdrm's setup at that time-and likely still echoes in their heads today.

With all signs pointing toward Johor's prowess-coupled with statistics that favor their form-it seems only fair to pinpoint specific players who might tip the scales even further in this match-up. The likes of Bergson will be crucial upfront alongside Jairo, whose combined creativity could unlock defenses quicker than you can say "defensive collapse." Meanwhile, Pdrm will need someone-anyone-to rise above mere mediocrity and create chances; perhaps looking at young talents who've yet to find consistency but possess flashes of brilliance would be ideal.

While momentum may swing unpredictably in sports, right now there are no visible cracks in Johor's armor nor convincing signs that Pdrm can conjure enough firepower to turn this ship around after weeks adrift at sea.

So what's my prediction? Don't be surprised if we see another lopsided scoreline here-a stark reminder that sometimes experience trumps hope when it comes down to must-win situations. I'm calling it: Johor Darul Takzim FC wins comfortably, possibly by three goals or more. For Pdrm, this may feel less like a match and more like an exercise in endurance testing-a reminder that when tides shift dramatically away from your favor, desperation is not always enough to bring home victory.