Written by: Aysha Ridzuan

Geylang International FC vs Warriors FC
(Friday, 1 April, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

The 2016 Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League will resume on Friday night when Geylang International play Warriors FC at Jalan Besar Stadium, looking to end their winless run with a victory.

While the Eagles are still unbeaten so far this season, but four stalemates in their last five games means that they are currently in sixth place in the league table.

In contrast, Warriors will be coming into the game on a high after a 2-0 win against Albirex Niigata (S) before the international break and have a chance to reach the summit if they beat the Eagles.

Geylang had three of their players away in Iran with the Singapore national team for international duties, but head coach Hasrin Jailani is relieved that they came back without any injuries and are fit to face Warriors.

“I think we have all the players available,” said the coach who will be in the stands for the game to serve his one game suspension.

“We have no major injuries except for a few who have niggling injuries but there’s nothing serious. Other than that, I think we have a full squad on Friday.”

Even though Hasrin declined to reveal his plans for Friday game, he suggested that the Eagles will approach the Warriors game with a different plan than usual.

“Different team, different approach and different plans. Meeting Warriors, the plan and approach are going to be different,” said the coach.

“It depends whether I’m going to play with a back four or a back three. We will see.

Aware that Warriors’ striker, Jonathan Behe has scored five goals in as many games, Hasrin said: “Warriors are doing well in terms of getting the results. They are a team that take their chances.

“Maybe in certain games they didn’t play to their best ability but they still take their chances well so I think they are still dangerous, especially in terms of attacking.”

The Eagles have one of the best defences in the league this season and part of the reason why is because of their goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari, who has kept a clean sheet in his last three games.

Syazwan believes having not lost after five games has helped the team’s confidence, but they are still wary of Warriors.

“As a goalkeeper, it feels good to keep clean sheets,” said the 24-year-old.

“I think the unbeaten run gives the team confidence and the clean sheet is not only me, it reflects how good our defence is too.

“There’s pressure for me every game….and I think against Warriors there will be more pressure since they have a striker who has scored in every game.

“But I think it’s going to be an interesting game.”

Suspended: Hasrin Jailani (Geylang International)

Key Men To Watch

Geylang International: Syazwan Buhari

 

One of the youngest goalkeepers in the league, Syazwan has proved that he deserves to be the first choice goalkeeper for the Eagles after keeping a clean sheet three games in a row.

It will even be a better achievement if he can keep a clean sheet against Warriors, knowing that their striker Jonathan Behe has beaten the opposing goalkeeper in his last five games.

Warriors FC: Jonathan Behe

 

It should mean something to Warriors that Behe has scored in every game so far this season. However, he could have scored more if he was more clinical in front of the goal.

It could be challenge for the striker to break through the Eagles solid defence but he will be a threat given the space.

Geylang International – DDWDD

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
15/02/16  Tampines Rovers 3-3 Geylang International

Warriors FC – DLWDW

18/03/16  Warriors FC 2-0 Albirex Niigata (S)
11/03/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Warriors FC
04/03/16  Warriors FC 2-0 Garena Young Lions
27/02/16  Brunei DPMM 3-1 Warriors FC
14/02/16  Home United 2-2 Warriors FC

Head to Head (S.League)

20/11/15 Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC
29/08/15 Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International
02/05/15 Geylang International 3-1 Warriors FC
16/05/14 Geylang International 0-1 Warriors FC
23/02/14 Warriors FC 2-1 Geylang International