Written by: Shawn Lim

Courts Young Lions vs Geylang International

(6 Nov, Friday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Geylang International will pay a visit Courts Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night looking to continue their climb up the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table.

The Eagles have spent the later part of the season stuck at the foot of the table, but have recently picked up maximum points in their last two matches to stay out of bottom place.

However, Geylang coach Jorg Steinebrunner is not keen to celebrate just yet, as the Eagles still have to win their remaining games to ensure that they don’t finish as wooden spoonist.

“To be very frank, at the moment, it (climbing off the foot of the table) doesn’t matter,” the German said after their 2-1 win over Home United.

“If it’s the last game, and we are out of the bottom, then we can think about our feelings.

“But it’s not like we are so many points away from not finishing last, and it would be a mistake to think about it now and lose focus.”

Meanwhile, the Young Lions are on a two-game unbeaten run and most recently pulled off a shock victory over Albirex Niigata (S).

While the possession-based game the Young Lions have employed under Juergen Raab is starting to bring in the results, their decision-making in the final third of the pitch still needs work.

“We can attack, yes, but when we have the chance to shoot, we pass the ball instead,” lamented Raab after his side’s 1-0 victory over Albirex.

“Maybe it’s the passing game they used to learn, where they pass, pass and pass but forgot to how shoot.

“Amy (Recha) could have shoot when he was in the box, but he chose to pass and the opportunity was lost.”

A victory for Geylang will see them leapfrog Young Lions into eighth place while the Raab’s charges can continue to stay close to bitter rivals Harimau Muda if they can achieve maximum points.

Key Men To Watch

Courts Young Lions: Sherif El-Masri

The Canadian-born Singaporean midfielder cut a frustrated figure in front of goal during the Young Lions’ 1-0 victory over Albirex and was substituted just nine minutes into the second period.

Usually a nippy and energetic player, El-Masri will have to rediscover his form to help the Young Lions achieve three points here.

Geylang International: Yuki Ichikawa

A natural centre-back, the Japanese has been playing as an anchor man in front of a four-man Geylang defence since returning from injury and has performed beyond expectations.

The Young Lions will need to find a way to get past Ichikawa and the rest of the Eagles defence if they intend to find the back of the net.

Courts Young Lions – LWLDW

02/11/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 0-1 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

27/10/15  Courts Young Lions 1-1 Harimau Muda (S.League)

19/10/15  Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

16/10/15  Courts Young Lions 2-1 Warriors FC (S.League)

04/10/15  Courts Young Lions 2-3 Geylang International (S.League)

Geylang International – LLLWW

03/11/15  Geylang International 2-1 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

30/10/15  Geylang International 2-1 Home United (S.League)

26/10/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)

20/10/15  Geylang International 1-4 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

16/10/15  Harimau Muda 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)

Head To Head (S.League)

04/10/14  Courts Young Lions 2-3 Geylang International

20/08/15  Geylang International 1-3 Courts Young Lions

26/10/14  Courts Young Lions 1-1 Geylang International

09/06/14  Courts Young Lions 0-0 Geylang International

20/03/14  Geylang International 1-0 Courts Young Lions