Woodlands Wellington vs Brunei DPMM

April 30, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Woodlands Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

It will be a tough challenge for Woodlands Wellington as they welcome the visit of an in-form Brunei DPMM, who have netted 16 times in their last four Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League matches.

The goal-scoring machine for DPMM in recent matches are their foreign duo Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’Donovan who have scored nine and eight goals respectively.

Aided by an impressive midfield including captain Rosmin Kamis, the tactician Joe Gamble, speedy Azwan Ali and tough tackling Roberto Alviz, the Bruneian side have fashioned themselves as serious title contenders this year.

Under new coach Steve Kean, DPMM have not shy away from displaying their ultra attacking mindset. This is evident with their goal-scoring exploits of 24 goals in nine matches.

But do not discount the Rams. While on paper DPMM look a superior team, Woodlands under gaffer Darren Stewart are known to spring up surprises, with them claiming reigning champions Tampines Rovers’ scalp two week ago.

Woodlands may not boast of a marquee player, but they exhibit a teamwork and unity which many teams crave for.

Led by skipper Rosman Sulaiman at the back, Woodlands will be on their toes throughout the 90 minutes against the piping hot DPMM.

Playing with the traditional 4-4-2 formation, Stewart has embedded a cautious yet deadly soak-and-pressure tactics which caught many of their opponents by surprise in past matches.

But if the Rams are to nick any point from this match, they will be hoping that last season’s league joint top-scorer Moon Soon Ho will put on his scoring boots and hit the back of the net.

With only two goals this campaign, a goal will go a long way in increasing the South Korean’s confidence level.

The previous league meeting between the two saw Woodlands coming away with a commanding 5-2 win and the boisterous Northern Rams (Woodlands’ fan club) will be keeping their finger cross for yet another positive result for their side.

Key Men To Watch

Woodlands Wellington: Taufiq Ghani

Taufiq played a key role in Woodlands’ win over Tampines and was constantly running the length of the field. According to Instat, the midfielder made four key passes in that match, with one resulting in their opening goal.

The 25-year-old’s contributions to the team has led to coach Stewart keeping faith with the midfielder ahead of more experienced campaigners such as Goh Swee Swee and Shafuan Sutomoh.

Suspension: Milos Jevtic (Woodlands Wellington)

Brunei DPMM: Rodrigo Tosi

The Brazilian’s ability needs no further introduction. With nine goals to his name, Tosi has been a nightmare to opponents this year.

But the 30-year-old is not only active at the final third. Standing at 1.84m, Tosi uses his height to his team’s advantage when defending against set-pieces.

Using his strength to hold off his markers, Tosi will no doubt be a handful for the Rams’ defence.

Woodlands Wellington – DWLLD

26/4/14    Geylang International 1-1 Woodlands Wellington

18/4/14    Tampines Rovers 1-2 Woodlands Wellington

13/4/14    Woodlands Wellington 0-3 Home United

3/4/14      Warriors FC 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

26/3/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

Brunei DPMM – WWWWD

25/4/14    Brunei DPMM 4-1 Balestier Khalsa

16/4/14    Hougang United 0-1 Brunei DPMM

11/4/14    Brunei DPMM 5-0 Harimau Muda

6/4/14      Brunei DPMM 6-1 Courts Young Lions

28/3/14    Geylang International 1-1 Brunei DPMM

Head to Head (S.League)

5/7/13      Woodlands Wellington 5-2 Brunei DPMM

31/3/13    Brunei DPMM 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

21/10/12  Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Brunei DPMM

27/4/12    Brunei DPMM 3-0 Woodlands Wellington