Written by: Shawn Lim

Warriors FC vs Balestier Khalsa

(Friday, 20 May, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Two struggling sides will meet on Friday night at Choa Chu Kang Stadium when Warriors FC welcome Balestier Khalsa to the Warriors Arena.

Warriors began their post-Jorg Steinebrunner era by holding title favourites Tampines Rovers to a goalless draw last week, but will need to improve on that performance if they want to get anything out their match against the Tigers.

Interim coach Razif Onn stated after the game that he wants to instill a sense of responsibility in his players as that will be the first step to attaining three points.

“I watched the video of our match against Garena Young Lions (Warriors lost 3-1) and I asked the players whose fault it was when the goals were conceded,” said Razif.

“Everybody just looked at each other and didn’t want to take the blame. So what we need to do now is to ensure in training sessions that everybody has a clear task and knows what he needs to do.

“It is very straightforward. If it’s your fault, it’s your fault. I think if everybody knows what they need to do, then we can start winning again.”

Meanwhile, Balestier are in desperate need for a win as the cellar-dwellers have only one win this season and have lost seven out of their 11 games this season.

Coach Marko Kraljevic has admitted he is still searching for answers for his club’s poor form, having challenged for the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League title just last season.

““It’s very frustrating. Really, we are trying our best, but things just don’t work,” said Kraljevic after the Tigers 3-1 loss to Geylang International.

“We didn’t have much problems, I didn’t see any problem to change. I think mostly, it’s individual mistakes for us and Geylang have lots of quality and individuals to turn the game.

“It’s tough, but we need to work harder and stay positive.”

Warriors will welcome back Madhu Mohana after the defender doubtful for the game against the Stags, while the Tigers will miss Hanafi Salleh and Syafiq Zainal because of suspensions.

Suspensions: Hanafi Salleh and Syafiq Zainal (Balestier Khalsa)

Warriors FC – LLDLD

17/05/16  Warriors FC 0-0 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

12/05/16  Garena Young Lions 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)

05/05/16  Warriors FC 1-1 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

30/04/16  Tampines Rovers 4-2 Warriors FC (S.League)

22/04/16  Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (S.League)

Balestier Khalsa – LWLLL

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

10/05/16  Kitchee SC 4-0 Balestier Khalsa (AFC Cup)

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

21/04/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-0 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

15/04/16  Brunei DPMM 3-1 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

11/03/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Warriors FC

13/09/15  Warriors FC 4-2 Balestier Khalsa

07/05/15  Balestier Khalsa 1-2 Warriors FC

01/03/15  Warriors FC 1 – 0 Balestier Khalsa

01/10/14  Warriors FC 0 – 1 Balestier Khalsa