Written by: Shawn Lim

Brunei DPMM vs Home United
(Friday, 23 September, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium)

The battle for third place in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table will take place on Friday night when Home United make the trip to Brunei to take on DPMM at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

The Wasps currently occupy that spot with 32 points, but the Protectors are a spot behind with 28 points and will be keen to close the gap for a chance to play in the 2017 AFC Cup as the second-top local team.

In their previous league meeting in May, Home thrashed the reigning league champions 5-0, but the Wasps have improved since then, making the finals of The New Paper League Cup 2016 and are currently on a two-match winning streak in the league.

DPMM have a good record at home playing in front of their fans and will be keen to avenge their heavy loss against Home, who have a new man in charge in the dugout after Aidil Shahrin replaced Philippe Aw at the helm.

Aidil has guided the Protectors to a loss to Hougang United and a win over Tampines Rovers, and is keen to continue the club’s tradition of attacking football when they take on the Wasps.

However, he will have to do so without the services of regular centre-back pairing Abdil Qaiyyim and Shahrin Saberin because of injury and suspension, while midfield lynchpin Zulfahmi Arfin is also suspended.

The Wasps have no injury or suspension concerns, with Steve Kean able to call on the likes of Rafael Ramazotti and Paulo Sergio to claim all three points.

Suspension: Shahrin Saberin and Zulfahmi Arifin (Home United)

Brunei DPMM – LWDWW

26/08/16  Hougang United 1-2 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
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)

Home United – DLWLW

10/09/16  Home United 1-0 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
12/08/16  Hougang United 4-2 Home United (S.League)
04/08/16  Home United 3-0 Warriors (S.League)
26/07/16  Brunei DPMM 1-0 Home United (League Cup)
22/07/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Home United (League Cup)

Head To Head (S.League)

19/05/16  Home United 5-0 Brunei DPMM
11/03/16  Brunei DPMM 2-1 Home United
17/10/15  Brunei DPMM 4-4 Home United
22/07/15  Home United 0-0 Brunei DPMM
21/03/15  Brunei DPMM 2 – 2 Home United