Geylang International FC vs Balestier Khalsa
(Thursday, 3 March, 7.30pm, Bedok Stadium)

Geylang International’s start to season has been nothing short of sensational and they will be looking to continue their unbeaten start to the season when they take on Balestier Khalsa on Thursday night at Bedok Stadium.

Two draws against defending champions Brunei DPMM FC and star-studded Tampines Rovers, as well as a win against Garena Young Lions last week, have landed the Eagles in second-place on the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table.

With pacey wingers racing down both flanks, creating plenty of chances for the strikers and evergreen defender Daniel Bennett marshaling the defense at the back, everything seems to be clicking for Geylang this season.

Although Amy Recha is eligible after serving his suspension, he is ruled out of the clash with a niggling injury and the fleet-footed winger will be sorely missed by the Eagles, especially against a resolute Balestier side.

Meanwhile, Balestier have endured a poor start to the season as they have only picked up a solitary point after two games.

However, the Tigers be pumped up after putting up a gutsy performance last week when they held high-flying Albirex Niigata to a 1-1 draw at Toa Payoh stadium and became the first club to stop the Japanese side from scoring this season.

However, if Tigers wish to get something substantial from the upcoming tie against Geylang, they must play to their strengths, which are launching quick counter attacks and making their dead-ball situations count.

Marko Kraljevic’s charges will also need to find their scoring boots fast, as main striker Miroslav Kristic cut a frustrated figure upfront for large periods during the match against the White Swans.

With Robert Pericic facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Kristic will be the main source of goals for the Tigers and he must be provided ample goalscoring chances to ensure the goals keep flowing.

Key Men To Watch

Geylang International: Branko Cubrilo

Cubrilo has been putting in effective shifts for the Eagles quietly this season and his good form is arguably the contributing factor to Geylang’s soaring start to the season.

The Croatian contributes in a variety of ways for Geylang, where he can score goals and link up play when he’s playing up front.

In addition, his mere presence puts constant pressure on defenders and his never-say-die attitude forced a throw-in against DPMM, that eventually led to their equaliser.

Balestier will have to wary of the Croatian constantly breathing down their necks as they try to play the ball out from defence.

Balestier Khalsa: Jamil Ali

Supersub Jamil scored instantaneously with virtually his a first touch of the game against the White Swans, sending a first time volley from Fazli Ayob’s lofted pass into the back of the net.

Whether he starts in the upcoming game or comes off the bench makes no difference as the veteran player possesses the ability to change the flow of a game with a swing of his boots.

Geylang International – DWDDW

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
20/11/15  Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC
09/11/15  Geylang International 2-2 Hougang United

Balestier Khalsa – WLLDD

27/02/16 Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) ( S.League)
23/02/16  New Radiant 2-2 Balestier Khalsa (AFC Cup)
14/02/16  Garena Young Lions 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
21/11/15  Brunei DPMM 4-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
05/11/15  Balestier Khalsa 4-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

18/09/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International
15/05/15  Geylang International 2-2 Balestier Khalsa
06/03/15  Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Geylang International
31/07/14  Geylang International 1-2 Balestier Khalsa
17/04/14  Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Geylang International