Hougang United vs Home United

(June 13, Friday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Hougang United are experiencing one of their best Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League campaign this year, popping up on sixth position on 25 points, three spots below their nearest competitors, Home United.

A win for the Cheetahs will see them close the gap to just two points between the Protectors and them.

Although both sides threw up an entertaining 2-2 draw at Bishan Stadium earlier in the season, both coaches Amin Nasir (Hougang) and Lee Lim Saeng (Home) will want to avoid that scenario and go for the three points.

Hougang’s meteoric rise in the league table has been attributed to Amin’s style of coaching, which instilled a sense of belief in the players and finding the right concoction for them to play as a unit.

Aiding their good run are Brazilians Geison Moura (9 goals) and Diego Gama (7 goals). In midfield, Japanese player Shunsuke Nakatake is a quiet yet effective player providing stability in the middle of the park and extends an extra legs in attack whenever needed.

For Home, they will be gunning for a win to keep pace with league leaders Brunei DPMM and Warriors in second place.

There are no injured players for the Protectors, an issue which stuttered their early season form. Leading their quest for three points will be former South Korean international Lee Kwan Woo, Fazrul Nawaz and Indra Sahdan Daud.

Suspended: Fazli Jaffar (Hougang United).

Key Men To Watch

Hougang United: Igor Cerina

The vice-captain has been a rock at the back as his robust defending has helped reduced the work of goalkeeper Fadhil Salim.

According to InStat, Cerina won 86% and 80% of challenges on ground and the air respectively in a game against Albirex Niigata (S).

Also, he relished 100% of successful tackles and can also be relied on to start build-up play in attacks as 78% of his passes were converted accurately.

Home United: Indra Sahdan Daud

The former national skipper has only bagged two goals in the league so far this season, but that does not justifiably reflect upon his performances this season.

Usually being brought on as a substitute, Indra’s tenacious ball control and accurate shooting ability would be something the Hougang defence need to keep an eye on.

Notably, the forward also had all of his dribbles being successful in the game against Brunei DPMM.

Hougang United – WWLDD

8/6/14        Hougang United 3-2 Warriors FC

5/6/14        Albirex Niigata (S) 0-1 Hougang United

26/5/14    Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 Hougang United (RHB Singapore Cup)

21/5/14    Hougang United 1-1 Tanjong Pagar United

15/5/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Hougang United

Home United – WWWWD

10/6/14    Home United 3-0 Harimau Muda

6/6/14        Brunei DPMM 2-3 Home United

30/5/14    Home United 5-0 Nagacorp FC (RHB Singapore Cup)

22/5/14    Geylang International 1-4 Home United

18/5/14    Home United 2-2 Tampines Rovers

Head to Head (S.League)

27/3/14    Home United 2-2 Hougang United

19/9/13    Home United 0-3 Hougang United

29/4/13    Hougang United 1-0 Home United

21/7/12    Home United 1-1 Hougang United

15/3/12    Hougang United 1-2 Home United

1/11/11        Hougang United 0-2 Home United

16/5/11        Home United 4-2 Hougang United

2/3/11        Hougang United 0-5 Home United