Garena Young Lions vs Geylang International FC

(Thursday, 25th February, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Stanley Yeo

After a 5-0 drubbing at the hands of Albirex Niigata (S), one will expect Garena Young Lions head coach Patrick Hesse to be scrambling for changes but the 58-year-old Frenchmen begs to differ as he feels that his young charges lost to the best team in the league.

“Firstly I feel that Albirex is the best team in our championship. They are a team with very good players with very good organization,” said Hesse.

Coach Hesse also stressed that he will be making defensive adjustments accordingly as they prepare for the game against Geylang International.

“We have to reduce our errors in terms of defensive placements and lack of marking especially during set pieces,” added the Frenchman who will be without the injured Khairul Amri and Joshua Pereira, and Amirul Adli due to national service commitments.

“National service is something very important here and before I came here I know exactly this will be happening. This will not be a problem as we can make do with what we have,” explained the former Tunisia assistant manager.

In contrast, despite picking up only two points in two games, Geylang have been a breath of fresh air this season.

The Eagles have put up stirring offensive displays to the delight of the fans at the Bedok Stadium. Going forward, Gabriel Quak utilized his pace to great aplomb as his surging runs down the left flank led to “oohs and ahhs” from the crowd.

Geylang head coach Hasrin Jailani preached for patience as the Eagles continue to search for their first victory of the season,”I think am at learning phase, the players are learning as well. I will talk to them and hopefully they can do better the next time [against the Young Lions].”

Suspension: Amy Recha (Geylang International)

Key Men To Watch

Geylang International: Gabriel Quak

A graduate of the Young Lions, Quak has been a revelation this season as he has matured into a quick and reliable winger.

In the game against defending champions Brunei DPMM FC, Quak was tenacious, dangerous and dominating down the left flank. The only problem seems to be his stamina as he was substituted at the hour mark.

If Quak, 25 can consistently perform to his ability, he will unquestionably be Geylang’s biggest asset this season.

Garena Young Lions: Firdaus Kasman

With veteran striker Khairul Amri ruled out of the upcoming game with an injury, all eyes will be on stand-in captain Firdaus Kasman to lead the team.

At 28, he is the elder statesman of the team and the younger players will look up to him for guidance, especially after the 5-0 thumping by Albirex Niigata.

It will be interesting to see how Firdaus motivates his team to pick themselves up and react in a positive light when they play the Wasps on Thursday.

Garena Young Lions – WDLWL

20/02/16 Garena Young Lions 0-5 Albirex Niigata (S)

14/02/16  Garena Young Lions 1-0 Balestier Khalsa

15/11/15  Home United 2-1 Courts Young Lions

06/11/15  Courts Young Lions 2-2 Geylang International

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

Geylang International – DDWDD

20/02/16 Geylang International 1-1 Brunei DPMM

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

20/11/15  Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC

09/11/15  Geylang International 2-2 Hougang United

06/11/15  Courts Young Lions 2-2 Geylang International

Head To Head (S.League)

06/11/15 Courts Young Lions 2-2 Geylang International

04/10/15  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