Hougang United vs Courts Young Lions 

(Thursday, 1 October 2015, 7:30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Written By: Nigel Chin

Hougang United will finally play a game at the Hougang Stadium and face Courts Young Lions after spending almost two months away from their home ground.

This should be music to the Cheetahs’ ears, as they have always enjoyed playing in front of their home fans. The last time Hougang hosted a game, they defeated defending champions Warriors FC 4-1.

Hougang should not expect an easy fight though, as they and the Young Lions are both competing to overtake each other in the table.

Both sides are currently level on points, with Hougang ahead in eighth place on goal difference.

A win for either side will see them not only move into seventh spot, but also further away from the foot of the table.

Coach Juergen Raab will also be looking to get one over the Cheetahs, having lost 3-1 to them in his very first game in charge.

But the Young Lions are largely a different side now and are more confident when in possession of the ball, although they are suffering a mini slump in form recently.

After going on a run where they lost just once in five games, they have now lost four times in their last five.

Hougang’s form are no different either though. In their last six games, they have two victories, draws and defeats.

Coach Salim Moin was far from happy with his charges’ performance in their last game, even though they lost by an odd goal to Home United.

There will be no doubt that he will definitely be expecting more improvement from his boys.

Key Men to Watch

Hougang United: Fairoz Hasan

In what has been a largely inconsistent season from the Cheetahs, Fairoz has been quite the opposite, putting in decent displays in midfield game after game.

The winger was one of the goalscorers in the team’s 3-1 win over the Young Lions back in July, and he will be keen to find the back of the net once more.

Courts Young Lions: Nur Na’iim Ishak

With the Young Lions set to lose Adam Swandi for the rest of the season, Raab may turn to Na’iim and slot him into the starting line-up.

Most of Na’iim appearances have come off the bench, but he has been a spark to the team whenever he comes in as a substitute.

With Adam gone, Na’iim will be keen to seize his opportunity and stake his claim for a place in the first eleven. There will be no better way than to impress the Cheetahs.

Hougang United –  WLWDL

17/09/15 Hougang United 0-1 Home United (S.League)

28/08/15   Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

19/08/15   Harimau Muda 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)

07/08/15   Balestier Khalsa 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)

04/08/15   Hougang United 4-1 Warriors FC (S.League)

Courts Young Lions – LLWLL

27/09/15 Courts Young Lions 1-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

22/09/15 Courts Young Lions 1-2 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

19/09/15 Tampines Rovers 0-1 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

27/08/15 Courts Young Lions 0-2 Home United (S.League)

23/08/15     Brunei DPMM 2-0 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

Head To Head (S.League)

20/07/15 Courts Young Lions 1-3 Hougang United

02/03/15 Hougang United 1-1 Courts Young Lions

18/10/14 Courts Young Lions 2 – 0 Hougang United

23/08/14 Courts Young Lions 2 – 1 Hougang United

02/05/14 Hougang United 0 – 3 Courts Young Lions