Written By: Nigel Chin

Hougang United vs Brunei DPMM 

(Tuesday, 20 October, 7:30pm, Hougang Stadium)

After dropping two points two days ago against Home United in the 4-4 draw, Brunei DPMM will be looking to avoid another slip up when they face Hougang United.

DPMM are currently leading the league table by goal difference over Balestier Khalsa, although they do have two games in hand.

But the 4-4 draw against Home United triggered memories from last year, where DPMM let slip a commanding lead and lost out on the league title to Warriors FC.

DPMM coach Steve Kean wants to ensure that it will not happen again, starting with the match against Hougang.

“We got to make sure we don’t replicate that (giving away the lead against Home) and also to make sure that we do all the good things that we have done,” Kean said.

“We just have to make sure everybody is going back to their own self and think what they could have done better at 3-1 when it went to 4-3.

“There was only one team on the ascendency and that was us.

“We are in the best position now, even if Balestier win we are still top of the league with two games in hand.”

Kean also revealed that the team felt dejected after letting two points slip through their grasps.

Against Hougang though, DPMM will have to be wary once again.

Afterall, the Cheetahs gave them a tough fight in their first meeting of the year which DPMM 3-2, before they were held to a 1-1 draw in their second league meeting.

In The New Paper League Cup, Salim Moin’s charges also upset the odds to defeat the Brunei side 1-0.

Hougang will come into the game on the back of a defeat to Tampines Rovers, but the Cheetahs certainly made it hard for Tampines in the game and had chances to win it as well.

Should DPMM approach the game with complacency, they may be in for a tough night.

Key Men to Watch

Hougang United: Carlos Delgado

The all-action midfielder will be key to Hougang’s fortunes for this game.

With Joe Gamble in fine form right now, Delgado will need to stop the DPMM midfielder from supplying ammunition to forwards Paulo Sergio and Rafael Ramazotti.

After a disappointing outing against Tampines on Saturday, Hougang will need Delgado to bounce back immediately if they want to get a result.

Brunei DPMM: Rafael Ramazotti

With Hougang a side that focus on tightening things up at the back first and foremost, chances may be at a premium for the league leaders.

Brazilian striker Rafael Ramazotti will need to put them away when it comes, especially if he wants to pull away from the rest of the pack in the race for the top scorer’s award.

Hougang United – WDLDL

17/10/15 Tampines Rovers 1-0 Hougang United (S.League)

01/10/15   Hougang United 2-2 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

17/09/15   Hougang United 0-1 Home United (S.League)

28/08/15   Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

19/08/15   Harimau Muda 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)

Brunei DPMM – WDWWD

17/10/15 Brunei DPMM 4-4 Home United (S.League)

02/10/15 Brunei DPMM 3-2 Home United (Singapore Cup)

22/09/15 Courts Young Lions 1-2 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

16/09/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

12/09/15 Brunei DPMM 2-0 Harimau Muda (S.League)

Head-to-Head (S.League)

29/07/15 Brunei DPMM 1-1 Hougang United

04/04/15 Hougang United 2 – 3 Brunei DPMM

03/08/14 Brunei DPMM 2 – 2 Hougang United

16/04/14 Hougang United 0 – 1 Brunei DPMM

19/10/13 Brunei DPMM 1 – 0 Hougang United