Written by: Isaac Tan

Hougang United vs Brunei DPMM

(Friday, 26 August, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

The battle to finish as the third best team in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League will reach its boiling point as Hougang United takes on Brunei DPMM at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Friday’s live telecast match.

The Wasps currently occupy third spot with 29 points from 19 matches while the Cheetahs are hot on their heels with 28 points. Having played a game less, this match will provide an great opportunity to leapfrog their rivals and still hold a game in hand.

Balagumaran’s charges have demonstrated great endeavor in recent weeks, coming from behind to beat Home United 4-2 two weeks ago before defeating title challengers Tampines Rovers 2-1 in injury time.

Against the Stags, in particular, the Cheetahs did not settle for the draw against the Singapore giants and maintained their attacking shape to go for all three points. They were duly rewarded when Fumiya Kogure slotted home the winner just before the final whistle just as the match was heading towards a stalemate.

Buoyed by this encouraging victory, Hougang United will be looking to make it three wins in a row and claim another big-name scalp in the form of defending champions Brunei DPMM.

It is not going to be easy, however, as they have yet to find a winning formula against the Wasps. The best they could muster was a goalless draw in the first meeting of the season but since then, DPMM have had the upper hand in the other two outings.

Furthermore, Steve Kean’s men are arguably one of the most in-form team in Singapore at the moment, having failed to win just two matches in eight outings in all competition. The familiar savour of yet another victory will be firmly on their minds the coming match as they hope to build on their grip on third.

Both teams’ attack will be led by quality strikers who are in a race of their own for the golden boot. Given half a chance, Hougang’s Stipe Plazibat and DPMM’s Rafael Ramazotti can put one into the back of the net. Ramazotti currently leads the race for the league’s top scorer with 14 goals, tied with Home United’s Ken Ilso, while Stipe Plazibat has scored one goal less.

With two in-form sides battling for third, fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium are set to witness an exciting clash.

Suspensions: Yura Indera Putera (Brunei DPMM), Nurhilmi Jasni (Hougang United)

Hougang United – WWLWW

17/08/16 Tampines Rovers 1-2 Hougang United (S.League)

12/08/16 Hougang United 4-2 Home United (S.League)

30/07/16 Hougang United 1-2 Geylang International (League Cup)

25/07/16  Hougang United 2-1 Balestier Khalsa (League Cup)

21/07/16  Hougang United 4-1 Warriors FC (League Cup)

Brunei DPMM – WLWDW

19/08/16 Brunei DPMM 3-0 Warriors FC (S.League)

11/08/16  Geylang International 1-1 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

05/08/16  Brunei DPMM 2-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

30/07/16  Brunei DPMM 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (League Cup)

26/07/16  Brunei DPMM 1-0 Home United (League Cup)

Head to Head (S.League)

14/05/16 Brunei DPMM 3-2 Hougang United

04/03/16 Hougang United 0-0 Brunei DPMM

20/10/15 Hougang United 1-2 Brunei DPMM

29/07/15 Brunei DPMM 1-1 Hougang United

04/04/15 Hougang United 2-3 Brunei DPMM