Written by: Shawn Lim

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Geylang International

(Friday, 20 May, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League league leaders Albirex Niigata (S) have a chance to pull even further away from the chasing pack when they take on Geylang International at Jalan Besar Stadium in the week’s “LIVE” match.

As closest rivals Tampines Rovers failed to pick up maximum points against Warriors FC on Tuesday, the White Swans can go seven points clear at the summit if they beat the Eagles on Friday night.

The Japanese side will come into the game full of confidence as well, after thrashing Balestier Khalsa 6-0 in their previous game, showing off their attacking prowess as well as confirming their status as title challengers.

However, they will have to watch out for an in-form Geylang, who have won three games on the trot and are keen to extend their winning streak.

Eagles coach Hasrin Jailani has tweaked his tactics in recent games after seeing his side endured a six-match winless run and lying in seventh place, and it has coincided with his side’s revival, with Geylang now in fourth place, eight points from the summit.

“I think back-to-back victories are better than back-to-back draws,” Hasrin said after his side’s  3-1 win over Balestier Khalsa last week.

“In the first round, we didn’t get the points we wanted. But I think this time round, hopefully the team is picking up nicely.

“The next game against Albirex (Niigata (S)) will be a very interesting one. Hopefully we can carry on.”

The Eagles will be missing Al-Qassimy Rahman through suspension but will welcome back Stanely Ng after the latter served his.

Suspension: Al-Qaasimy Rahman (Geylang International)

Albirex Niigata (S) – WWWWW

06/05/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 6-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

28/04/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 3-0 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

22/04/16  Brunei DPMM 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

16/04/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

08/04/16  Home United 0-3 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

Geylang International – DLWWW

14/05/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-3 Geylang International (S.League)

05/0616   Geylang International 3-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

30/04/16  Brunei DPMM 1-2 Geylang International (S.League)

21/04/16  Geylang International 0-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

15/04/16  Geylang International 2-2 Home United (S.League)

Head To Head (S.League)

10/03/15  Geylang International 0-0 Albirex Niigata (S)

26/10/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-0 Geylang International

02/08/15  Geylang International 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S)

08/04/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Geylang International

28/08/14  Geylang International 3-4 Albirex Niigata (S)