Brunei DPMM vs Albirex Niigata (S)

(May 14, Wednesday, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Albirex Niigata (S) prepare to cross the oceans to pay a visit to the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium on Wednesday to take delight in putting up a fight against league leaders Brunei DPMM.

The White Swans’ main objective would be to put a halt to DPMM’s perfect record for the past six matches, where they have brushed aside their respective opponents with much ease.

It all started in the 6-1 thrashing over Courts Young Lions, and ever since then, the Wasps have been scoring an average of three goals per match.

The title contenders could not have asked for a cleaner record in the season so far, as they are not only flying high in the standings with a seven point league, but are also excelling in their attacking and defending records.

Currently holding the league’s best defensive record, the Wasps have only conceded five goals so far.

Attacking wise, they have the best record of 30 goals and striker Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’Donovan are leading the scoring charts with 11 and 10 goals respectively.

On the other hand, Albirex are coming into this game following an impressive 4-2 thumping over Geylang International and Home United.

However, their heavy 4-0 defeat from Warriors FC weeks ago is something the Japanese would be hoping to clear off from their minds.

A win for the visitors might lift them three spots above the table to a second position, and a win for DPMM would certainly bring them closer to league triumph.

Key Men To Watch

Brunei DPMM: Roberto Alviz

With a passing accuracy of 90% in the game against Woodlands Wellington according to InStats, Roberto Alviz’s passing ability has caused numerous troubles for defences all over the league.

His strength gives opposing counterparts no chance to win the ball while his good vision frequently picks out runs from Rodrigo Tosi and Roy O’ Donovan.

Albirex Niigata (S): Shuhei Hotta

A natural midfielder being deployed in a central defensive role, Hotta has been leading the backline effectively in the past few games.

The Japanese also made a 50-metre run before finishing off a cross into the back of the net against Geylang International, and will be looking to keep Tosi and company at bay this Wednesday.

Brunei DPMM – WWWWW

9/5/14      Brunei DPMM 4-0 Tanjong Pagar United

30/4/14    Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Brunei DPMM

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

Albirex Niigata (S) – WDWLW

8/5/14      Albirex Niigata (S) 4-2 Geylang International

1/5/14      Tampines Rovers 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

27/4/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 4-2 Home United

16/4/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 0-4 Warriors FC

10/4/14    Courts Young Lions 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S)

Head to Head (S.League)

22/2/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 0-1 Brunei DPMM

28/6/13    Brunei DPMM 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S)

11/3/13    Albirex Niigata (S) 2-1 Brunei DPMM

18/7/12    Albirex Niigata (S) 2-1 Brunei DPMM

11/3/12    Brunei DPMM 2-1 Albirex Niigata (S)