Written by: Shawn Lim
Balestier Khalsa vs Geylang International
(Saturday, 14 May, 7.30pm, Toa Payoh Stadium)
After two back-to-back heavy defeats in less than a week, Balestier Khalsa will be keen for a change in fortunes when they welcome Geylang International to Toa Payoh Stadium on Saturday night.
The Tigers were handed a 6-0 thrashing by Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League leaders Albirex Niigata (S) last week, before travelling to Hong Kong and losing 4-0 to Kitchee SC in the AFC Cup.
Conceding 10 goals and scoring none in two matches is definitely a worrying sign for Marko Kraljevic’s charges and they have a lot to do to pick themselves up ahead of their meeting with the Eagles.
In contrast, Geylang will come into the game in fine form, having picked up two wins in a row and will be looking to make it three against the Tigers.
Having played free-flowing football and dropping points earlier in the season before they grinded out wins over Brunei DPMM and Garena Young Lions, Eagles coach Hasrin Jailani has admitted that results are more important than performance at the moment.
“You play well and then draw or lose; you don’t play well but win – which one is better?” said Hasrin after the Geylang’s 3-1 win over the Young Lions.
“Back-to-back wins are very important and this will build up the confidence of the players.
“We will take it one step at a time and hopefully the momentum can keep us going. How we win doesn’t matter.”
The Eagles will have to make do without Stanely Ng after the winger picked up his fourth yellow of the season against the Young Lions, while the Tigers will miss defender Hanafi Salleh, who was sent off against the White Swans.
Suspensions: Hanafi Salleh (Balestier Khalsa), Stanely Ng (Geylang International)
Balestier Khalsa – LLWLL
10/05/16 Kitchee SC 4-0 Balestier Khalsa (AFC Cup)
06/05/16 Albirex Niigata 6-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
21/04/16 Balestier Khalsa 2-0 Garena Young Lions (S.League)
15/04/16 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
07/04/16 Tampines Rovers 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
Geylang International – LDLWW
05/0616 Geylang International 3-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)
30/04/16 Brunei DPMM 1-2 Geylang International (S.League)
21/04/16 Geylang International 0-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
15/04/16 Geylang International 2-2 Home United (S.League)
07/04/16 Hougang United 3-1 Geylang International (S.League)
Head to Head (S.League)
03/03/16 Geylang International 0-0 Balestier Khalsa
18/09/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International
15/05/15 Geylang International 2-2 Balestier Khalsa
06/03/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Geylang International
31/07/14 Geylang International 1-2 Balestier Khalsa