Written by: Shawn Lim

Garena Young Lions vs Home United
(Saturday, 11 June, 8pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Unstoppable before the international break, Home United will be keen to hit the ground running again when they resume their Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League campaign on Saturday night against Garena Young Lions at Jalan Besar Stadium.

The Protectors are currently on a five-game unbeaten run and have won their past four league matches, with their most notable win coming from a 5-0 destruction of defending champions Brunei DPMM FC.

Led by veteran playmaker Azhar Sairudin, the effervescent midfielder’s form has been nothing short of sensational this season, which has culminated in a call-up and a starting spot in the national team.

Azhar’s silky passing abilities are able to unlock the stubbornest of defences and combined with the pace of Faris Ramli and the finishing of Ken Ilso, the Protectors will be looking to beat the Young Lions convincingly.

However, they will be wary of Patrick Hesse’s young charges as the Young Lions have proved that they are capable of providing stiff opposition to teams who are looking to walkover the cellar-dwellers.

Holding Hougang United and AFC Cup Round of 16 participants Ceres La Salle to a draw in the league and RHB Singapore Cup respectively before losing in extra-time to the latter, the Young Lions are starting to show signs of promise after a dismal start to the season.

Talented midfielder Joshua Bernard Pereira is starting to show why he is earmarked for greater things, while the Young Lions backline that consists of the likes of Amirul Adli and Shannon Stephen is looking more stable after every game.

The Young Lions will welcome back Khairul Amri, Ammirul Emmran and Adam Swandi, while Home will sweat on the fitness of captain Juma’at Jantan as they continue to miss defenders who have long-term injuries like Ang Zhi Wei and R.Aaravin.

Garena Young Lions – LLWDL

29/05/16  Ceres La Salle 3-1 Young Lions (Singapore Cup)
19/05/16  Hougang United 1-1 Young Lions (S.League)
12/05/16  Young Lions 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
05/05/16  Geylang International 3-1 Young Lions (S.League)
28/04/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 3-0 Young Lions (S.League)

Home United – WWWWW

26/05/16  Home United 2-1 Hougang United (Singapore Cup)
19/05/16  Home United 5-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
13/05/16  Tampines Rovers 1-2 Home United (S.League)
29/04/16  Home United 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
22/04/16  Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (S.League)

Head To Head (S.League)

17/03/16  Home United 4-1 Garena Young Lions
15/11/15  Home United 2-1 Courts Young Lions
27/08/15  Courts Young Lions 0-2 Home United
28/04/15  Home United 0-1 Courts Young Lions
28/08/14  Home United 0-3 Courts Young Lions