Written by: Aysha Ridzuan

Hougang United vs Geylang International
(Thursday, 7 April, 7.30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Hougang United will host Geylang International in their seventh Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League game at Hougang Stadium on Thursday night.

The Cheetahs who were unable to remain at the top of the league after a 2-0 loss to Albirex Niigata (S) last week, will want to avoid losing any more points in order to achieve their top five target at the end of the season.

Playing at home would be an advantage for Hougang, who have not lost on their own ground so far, but they will need to take their chances better in front of the goal to avoid defeat, which was what happened against the White Swans.

However, there might be a concern for the Cheetahs in their backline with full-back Ali Hudzaifi still nursing his injury, while Delwinder Singh will also not be available to face the Eagles, who are expected to play their pressing game.

Geylang will be welcoming back coach Hasrin Jailani to the bench, after he served his one match suspension against Warriors FC last week.

It seemed like the Eagles have been doing everything right so far. and have stayed unbeaten only because of five stalemates and one win. They could have ended their draw streak last week, if only Ridhuan Muhammad had not scored for the Warriors in the last minute at Jalan Besar Stadium.

The absence of defender Yuki Ichikawa means that Daniel Bennett and Shariff Samat will have to be at their best form against Cheetahs to stop Croatian forward Stipe Plazibat, who already had five goals under his belt.

Nevertheless, this encounter promised to be an exciting one especially with both teams bolstered by their passionate fans.

Key Men To Watch

Hougang United FC: Fumiya Kogure

Stipe Plazibat may have scored five goals for Hougang United but if there’s another player that could cause problems, that would be their Japanese midfielder.

Geylang would have to contain him in the middle or he could hurt with his speed and technique.

Geylang International FC: Gabriel Quak

Quak had opportunities to score more than one goal against Albirex Niigata (S) last week with his killer free-kicks and long range attempts.

Given the space, he can threatened Cheetahs’ backline and can easily be the player who ends Geylang’s draw streak with a win.

Hougang United – LDWWL

02/04/16  Albirex Niigata FC (S) 2-0 Hougang United
19/03/16  Hougang United 1-0 Balestier Khalsa
10/03/16  Garena Young Lions 1-3 Hougang United
04/03/16  Hougang United 0-0 Brunei DPMM
26/02/16  Tampines Rovers 4-1 Hougang United

Geylang International – DWDDD

01/04/16 Geylang International 2-2 Warriros FC
10/03/16 Geylang International 0-0 Albirex Niigata (S)
03/03/16 Geylang International 0-0 Balestier Khalsa
25/02/16 Garena Young Lions 0-2 Geylang International
20/02/16 Geylang International 1-1 Brunei DPMM

Head to Head (S.League)

19/05/15 Hougang United 1-0 Geylang International
12/03/15 Geylang International 0-0 Hougang United
21/10/14 Geylang International 0-4 Hougang United
24/06/14 Hougang United 2-0 Geylang International
11/04/14 Geylang International 3-2 Hougang United