Written By: Kenneth Ho

Harimau Muda vs Home United

(2 Nov, Monday, 8pm, Hang Jebat Stadium)

Home United coach Philippe Aw is glad his team have a quick chance to return to winning ways as they take on Harimau Muda three days after a 2-1 defeat to Geylang International.

The Protectors were arguably the better team against the Eagles and were leading 1-0 in that game.

But their profligacy, as well as a red card to goalkeeper Hyrulnizam Juma’at which saw them playing with nine outfield players, eventually saw them collapsing.

Admitting that it was a disappointing result after dominating the game, Aw was happy the chance to put the loss behind them has arrived so soon.

“The good thing is we have a game on against Harimau two days after facing Geylang,” Aw shared. “After such a loss you want to straight away get back to winning ways.

Fatigue will be a concern for Aw though, as he admitted he has his eyes on the next few games, with Home hosting Albirex Niigata (S) and Tampines Rovers respectively three and six days later.

The Protectors will also be without several personnel for the match, with Ken Ilso and Hyrulnizam Juma’at out through suspensions.

Stanely Ng and R.Aaravin too looks likely to miss out, due to personal commitments.

The loss of Ilso should hurt Home the most, considering he is their most likely source of goal. However, Aw is confident Home can cope without their red-hot striker.

“We are without Ken, but we have won before without Ken so we have to find  a plan and win without him again,” he asserted.

Home will need to be wary at the Hang Jebat Stadium though, with the likes of Warriors FC and Albirex Niigata (S) dropping points there in recent times.

Also, the last time both sides met, Harimau nearly produced a stunning comeback as they pegged the Protectors back to make it 3-2. Only a Imran Sahib goal two minutes from time ensured them of the points in that game.

Suspensions: Hyrulnizam Juma’at (Home United), Ken Ilso (Home United)

Key Men To Watch

Harimau Muda: Adam Nor

Shahril Jantan is expected to take his place in Home’s goal following the suspension of Hyrulnizam, and Harimau can use this to their advantage.

While Shahril is an excellent goalkeeper, he may not play at optimal level after a lack of playing time recently. Adam, who loves to shoot from range, can capitalise on any potential rustiness by the goalkeeper.

Home United: Ambroise Begue

As Ilso is out, the Protectors will have to look elsewhere for their source of goal.With three goals in his last three games, Begue will be counted on to assume that responsibility. 

After a slow start to his professional career, the winger is starting to show that he can be relied on should Home require a goal or two.

Harimau Muda – LWDLL

27/10/15 Courts Young Lions 1-1 Harimau Muda (S.League)

23/10/15  Harimau Muda 0-2 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

19/10/15  Harimau Muda 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

16/10/15  Harimau Muda 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)

27/09/15  Harimau Muda 0-2 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

Home United – LDWWL

30/10/15 Geylang International 2-1 Home United (S.League)

26/10/15  Home United 2-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

21/10/15  Home United 2-1 Warriors FC (S.League)

17/10/15  Brunei DPMM 4-4 Home United (S.League)

02/10/15  Brunei DPMM 3-2 Home United (Singapore Cup)

Head to Head (S.League)

06/08/15 Home United 4-2 Harimau Muda

17/04/15 Harimau Muda 1-0 Home United

10/06/14 Home United 3-1 Harimau Muda

23/03/14 Harimau Muda 0-3 Home United

26/08/13 Home United 4-0 Harimau Muda