Home United vs Tanjong Pagar United

(April 17, Thursday, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Written by: Kenneth Ho

A year ago, this match between Home United and Tanjong Pagar would have been billed as a match between two evenly-matched team.

However, the loss of several key players to injury as well as a topsy turvy run of form for Tanjong Pagar have seen Home touted as the overwhelming favourites for this tie.

The Protectors are currently on a four-game winning run in all competitions, and their strikers are hitting form after returning from their respective lay-offs.

Bruno Castanheira, Fazrul Nawaz and Indra Sahdan have all scored at least once in their last five games, and the Jaguars will be hard pressed to stop the irresistible trio.

As if Tanjong Pagar’s threadbare squad already missing the likes of Ahmad Latiff and Kamel Ramdani is not bad enough, the Jaguars will have to do without captain Hafiz Osman and Asraf Rashid as the duo both miss out due to them being suspended for the fixture.

With Home coach Lee Lim Saeng’s emphasis on fitness, it might be a matter of who have the stamina to last the pace that will see them triumph in this game, and the lack in depth for Tanjong Pagar might see them getting punished late on in the game.

Tanjong Pagar coach Patrick Vallee is adamant his side will play attractive football regardless of anything, while Home are rather offensive-driven despite being rather compact at the back.

With that said, this game should see some goals, as both sides will open up to try and score the goals required to get a result.

Suspensions: Hafiz Osman, Asraf Rashid (both Tanjong Pagar)

Key Men To Watch

Home United: Indra Sahdan

The veteran striker made a scoring return from injury in his appearance for Protectors this season, and he might have a part to play in this match.

With Fazrul Nawaz and Bruno Castanheira grabbing the headlines for their scoring exploits, the lack of attention might play to the former Singapore international favour.

As defenders pay more attention to the aforementioned duo, Indra might enjoy a free leash to roam around in the danger area and the striker has proven that he will score if given the slightest chance.

Tanjong Pagar: Aurelien Herrisson

A capable shot-stopper, Herrisson has been one of the most consistent performer for the Jaguars despite them being unable to string together a decent run.

The goalkeeper will need to be at his best if he wants to stop Home’s in-form strikers, and in the absence of his commanding centre back and captain Hafiz Osman, Herrisson needs to step up and be counted in this match.

Home United – WWWWD

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

9/4/14      Home United 2-0 New Radiant (AFC Cup)

5/4/14      Home United 2-1 Balestier Khalsa

2/4/14      Home United 2-1 Churchill Brothers (AFC Cup)

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

Tanjong Pagar United – DLWLL

10/4/14    Tanjong Pagar United 1-1 Warriors FC

4/4/14      Albirex Niigata (S) 2-1 Tanjong Pagar United

26/3/14    Courts Young Lions 2-3 Tanjong Pagar United

21/3/14    Tanjong Pagar United 0-1 Woodlands Wellington

13/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Tanjong Pagar United

Head to Head (S.League)

30/10/13  Tanjong Pagar United 0-1 Home United

27/6/13    Home United 1-1 Tanjong Pagar United

14/3/13    Tanjong Pagar United 0-3 Home United

18/10/12  Home United 2-1 Tanjong Pagar United

28/4/12    Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 Home United

15/9/11    Tanjong Pagar United 0-3 Home United

27/5/11    Home United 3-1 Tanjong Pagar United

18/3/11    Tanjong Pagar United 0-6 Home United