Warriors FC vs Tampines Rovers

(October 23, Thursday, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Written by: Kenneth Ho

It is win or bust for Tampines Rovers when they travel to Choa Chu Kang Stadium to face Warriors FC on Thursday evening.

The two teams are neck and neck in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League standings as they attempt to keep the trophy in Singapore, with Warriors on top with 47 points, while the Stags are behind by a point.

A loss here will spell the end of Tampines’ title challenge, as they will go four points behind Warriors with only one game left to play.

As results this season have shown, Warriors have the ability to beat anyone on their day. This was evident in their 3-2 win over leaders Brunei DPMM in Berakas earlier this month.

With goalkeeper Hassan Sunny in the form of his life and the flourishing partnership between Miroslav Pejic and Nicholas Velez upfront, Alex Weaver has in his hands a side good enough to challenge for honours. Luckily for the Stags, Velez was stretchered off the pitch in his last game, and may not have recovered in time for this game.

However, what Tampines do possess is experience, having been crowned champions for the past three years.

The Stags have in their ranks seasoned campaigners such as Fahrudin Mustafic and Shahdan Sulaiman while former international Noh Alam Shah is capable of causing some damage whenever called upon.

The league remains the only chance of silverware for both teams this season and as such, expect this to be an explosive affair as the title race nears its end.

Key Men To Watch

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

A win is imperative for both sides, and that means goals, lots of goals, can be expected. With Velez’s availability a big doubt, the other man to turn to for goals will be Miroslav Pejic.

A big game player, there’s a high chance Pejic will do everything he can to give Tampines goalkeeper Justin Pasfield a nightmare and ensure his side remain on top of the league.

Tampines Rovers: Mustafic Fahrudin

Goals might be needed here, but calm and experienced heads will be essential here too. With so many things on the line for either side, rash challenges could be made.

As captain of his side, Fahrudin’s presence cannot be understated. Rafi Ali will count upon his skipper to keep the team composed, and remind them of their duties on the pitch.

Also, despite his age, the midfielder has proven to be a very capable protector of his backline, and can double up as a defender if need be. His defensive qualities will be important in keeping Pejic and company quiet.

Warriors FC – WLWDW

7/10/14    Brunei DPMM 2-3 Warriors FC

1/10/14    Warriors FC 0-1 Balestier Khalsa

29/8/14    Warriors FC 2-0 Tampines Rovers

24/8/14    Home United 2-2 Warriors FC

20/8/14    Warriors FC 4-1 Courts Young Lions

Tampines Rovers – WLWDL

2/10/14    Home United 0-1 Tampines Rovers

25/9/14    Balestier Khalsa (4P) 1-0 (1) Tampines Rovers (RHB Singapore Cup SF 2nd Leg 2-2 on aggregate)

22/9/14    Tampines Rovers 2-1 Balestier Khalsa (RHB Singapore Cup SF 1st Leg)

17/9/14    Tampines Rovers 0-0 Albirex Niigata (S)

29/8/14    Warriors FC 2-0 Tampines Rovers

Head to Head (S.League)

29/8/14    Warriors FC 2-0 Tampines Rovers

8/5/14       Tampines Rovers 3-3 Warriors FC

28/6/13    Tampines Rovers 1-0 Warriors FC

21/3/13    Warriors FC 0-1 Tampines Rovers

19/10/12  Warriors FC 2-3 Tampines Rovers

28/4/12    Tampines Rovers 0-1 Warriors FC

27/9/11    Warriors FC 1-3 Tampines Rovers

21/6/11    Tampines Rovers 1-2 Warriors FC

24/3/11    Warriors FC 0-1 Tampines Rovers