Home United vs Warriors FC

(Wednesday, 21 October, 7:30pm, Yishun Stadium)

Written by: Nigel Chin

The last Uniformed Derby of the season promises to be a cracker of an event, with title hopes at stake for both Warriors FC and Home United.

Both teams still have an outside chance of catching up to league leaders Brunei DPMM, but it will require them to win their remaining games and hope the Wasps drop some points in their last five games.

Warriors are 10 points off the pace although they have a game in hand, while Home are further behind by 16 points with two games in hand.

After last week’s defeat to Courts Young Lions, the Warriors have fell into fifth spot, although a win will bring them back to third.

While Warriors did the impossible and came from behind to win the title over DPMM on the very last day of the season, it looks like a daunting task now, especially with Balestier Khalsa just behind DPMM in the league table.

Vice-captain Hafiz Rahim says that the team still believe they can do it however.

“I think the belief is still there,” the attacking midfielder said.

“We were a bit rusty against Courts Young Lions after having two weeks off because of the haze, but we did play some good football.

“Hopefully we will turn up against Home United, and I believe the boys are going to work hard for victory.”

Hafiz also stated that it is crucial that the team stay united, and contribute to the cause as a team, not individuals.

“Last season, most importantly we took care of our team first and the result was secondary to us,” the 31-year-old said.

“We just believed in ourselves and most important it’s to just get the three points from now on.

“The key is teamwork. For Warriors it’s always been teamwork. Individually we have some good players, but, like last season, the success for the Warriors was always the teamwork.”

Against Home, the teamwork may turn out to be key.

After all, Home have proven themselves to be a tough team to crack this season, as DPMM found out on Saturday.

In that game, Home were trailing 3-1 with 10 minutes to go in the game, before fighting back to lead 4-3 with two minutes to go. They were then cruelly denied three points as DPMM equalised in the last minute.

Suspensions: Sirina Camara (Home United)

Key Men to Watch

Home United: Ken Ilso

The Dane netted a hat-trick in that 4-4 draw with DPMM, and will be raring to go once again.

After spending a long time out with injury earlier this season, Ilso has finally regained his form.

With technique, speed and a clever playing style, the striker will be a tough opponent to handle, especially with the Warriors’ poor defensive record this season.

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

The forward’s creativity was sorely missed as Warriors slumped to a defeat by the Young Lions.

Coach Alex Weaver believes that the returning Pejic’s will certainly make things interesting at the attacking end for the nine-time S.League champions.

Home United – DWWLD

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

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

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

27/08/15 Courts Young Lions 0-2 Home United (S.League)

20/08/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Home United (S.League)

Warriors FC – LDWDL

16/10/15 Courts Young Lions 2-1 Warriors FC (S.League)

19/09/15 Harimau Muda 2-2 Warriors FC (S.League)

13/09/15   Warriors FC 4-2 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

29/08/15   Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)

23/08/15   Warriors FC 0-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

30/07/15 Warriors FC 2-2 Home United

05/04/15 Home United 1-4 Warriors FC

17/10/14 Home United 2-3 Warriors FC

24/08/14 Home United 2-2 Warriors FC

02/05/14 Warriors FC 1-4 Home United