Geylang International vs Woodlands Wellington  

(April 26, Saturday, 7.30pm, Bedok Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Jorg Steinebrunner faces a club he was in charge of several years back, as his current team Geylang International take on Woodlands Wellington at Bedok Stadium on Saturday evening.

Having managed the Rams for three seasons, the German was seen by the faithfuls as one of the most successful coaches in Woodlands’ history for guiding the team to the League Cup in 2007, as that was the Rams’ first ever silverware.

Under new head coach Steinebrunner’s reign, Geylang International are unbeaten and have already clinched three wins and two draws.

Currently, the ‘magic’ he is performing in Geylang has been very enticing for the fans, especially after their game against Hougang United when the Eagles made a comeback from two goals down within the final ten minutes.

Woodlands on the other hand have succcumbed to two consecutive defeats against Warriors FC and Home United, before bouncing back with a tremendous effort  to snatch a 2-1 win over Tampines Rovers.

A tough battle is expected at both sides of the flank as wingers Ridhuan Muhammad and Hafiz Nor will be giving a tough time to wing-backs Rosman Sulaiman and Goh Swee Swee, while Woodlands’ Andy Ahmad and Moon Soon Ho are ready to speed through the wings with their lightning-like darts.

Thus, it would be no surprise if most of the goals scored this Saturday are to be through wing-plays as these two teams lock horns.

Darren Stewart’s side has clinched the most draws in the S.League so far and they will be looking for ways to avoid another stalemate in the match against Geylang, while hoping to make it two wins in a row.

Key Men to Watch

Geylang International: Yuki Ichikawa

The right-back has been one of the most consistent defenders in the S.League so far, especially in the last game against Balestier Khalsa as he saw 75% of his tackles being successful, according to InStat.

Ichikawa does not only fulfil his defensive duties as per instructed, but also helps out in attacks whenever necessary, especially in making the overlapping runs.The Japanese executed 80% accurate passes while winning 57% of air challenges in his last game.

Woodlands Wellington: Taufiq Ghani

Being the sole creator of both goals Woodlands Wellington scored against Tampines Rovers, Taufiq has shown his ability to pick out runs and provide the penetrative passing required to reach his man with him converting 87% of his passes accurately.

Taufiq also can also produce the goods as he already has two goals under his belt. The central midfielder will be hoping to add another assist or goal to his tally against the Eagles.

Geylang International – DWWDW

17/4/14    Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Geylang International

11/4/14    Geylang International 3-2 Hougang United

3/4/14      Harimau Muda 0-3 Geylang International

28/3/14    Geylang International 1-1 Brunei DPMM

20/3/14    Geylang International 1-0 Courts Young Lions

Woodlands Wellington – WLLDW

18/4/14    Tampines Rovers 1-2 Woodlands Wellington

13/4/14    Woodlands Wellington 0-3 Home United

3/4/14      Warriors FC 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

26/3/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

21/3/14    Tanjong Pagar United 0-1 Woodlands Wellington

Head to Head (S.League)

23/8/13    Geylang International 1-2 Woodlands Wellington

18/4/13    Woodlands Wellington 0-0 Geylang International

21/6/12    Geylang International 1-1 Woodlands Wellington

19/2/12    Woodlands Wellington 3-1 Geylang International

18/10/11  Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Geylang International

27/6/11    Geylang International 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

13/4/11    Woodlands Wellington 2-2 Geylang International