5 talking points ahead of Matchweek 3 of the Singapore Premier League
The Singapore Premier League (SPL) returns for another round of action-packed fixtures. From teams chasing their first win to heavyweights looking to stay on top, here are five storylines to watch in Matchweek 3.
- Will the Eagles rediscover their groove?
Geylang International have endured a tough start to the season. Their recent defeat against Albirex exposed vulnerabilities in their defence, with both goals coming from runners slipping in behind. The Eagles have also yet to open their account for the season, though history suggests this could be the time to put that right.
Geylang have edged their opponents in three of their previous four meetings, but will need their misfiring attack to gel to repeat this feat.The suspension of defender Shakir Hamzah could threaten their chances of doing so, as Hougang’s wide threats will look to exploit any gaps at the back. Still, the Eagles have not gone three consecutive league games without scoring since March 2019 – and they’ll be eager to avoid a repeat of such a run.
- Can Hougang build on their promising start?
Despite a 2-1 loss to the Lion City Sailors in their opening league fixture, Hougang gave a good account of themselves. Aside from a few defensive lapses, the Cheetahs matched the reigning champions, but ultimately came to rue two goals disallowed for offside.
A wounded Eagles side presents, perhaps, the perfect opportunity to kickstart their season. Midfield duo Suwa Yuma and Yuta Kikuchi will be tasked to dictate the tempo of the game early on, while wingers Victor Blasco and Farhan Zulkifli will look to trouble the Eagles defence, which looked vulnerable against Albirex Niigata (S). New Cheetah Nabilai Kibunguchy is also in line to make his league debut, and his presence at the back could provide Hougang with some much-needed stability against a blunt Geylang side.
Hougang United vs Geylang International | 19 September | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on Youtube or meWATCHTV
- New season, new ambitions for Young Lions
The Young Lions enter a new era. No longer a squad predominantly made up of players serving their National Service, they now boast a talented cast of the nation’s most promising talents, which includes the likes of defender Raoul Suhaimi and forward Amir Syafiz. A strong Brazilian foreign contingent will complement them, alongside English winger Harry Spence and Slovenian goalkeeper Benjamin Zerak. With many players fresh off a disappointing AFC Under-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers campaign, they enter this match with a point to prove.
On the other hand, Balestier Khalsa themselves will aim to bounce back after a heavy 5-0 loss against the Sailors. With nine wins in their last 11 meetings against the Young Lions, the Tigers have history on their side — but their opponents remain an unknown quantity. Expect surprises.
Young Lions vs Balestier Khalsa | 21 September | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on Youtube or meWATCHTV
- Can the Sailors juggle their packed schedule?
With three games in eight days, the Sailors will again rely on their squad depth to maintain their intensity and competitiveness. With an ACL Two trip to Indonesia’s Persib Bandung sandwiched between league fixtures, this could prove a tricky fixture to navigate.
The Sailors will be eager for marquee signing Anderson Lopes to find the net, with the forward yet to open his account for his new club. They hold 15 consecutive wins over Tanjong Pagar, a streak dating back to November 2020. All eyes will be on Aleksandar Rankovic’s team sheet, as Tanjong Pagar look to spring a surprise.
- Can the Jaguars pull off an upset?
Eyebrows were raised when Tanjong Pagar revealed their foreign signings for the upcoming season. With a squad blending seasoned professionals and promising young locals, many tipped them to punch above their weight this season. It has been a chastening start, however, as they slipped to a 3-0 opening defeat against BG Tampines Rovers last week.
With the defending champions up next, the Jaguars will be looking to make their mark and ignite their season. The Jaguars haven’t tasted a league win since January — what better time to end the drought than against the Sailors?
Tanjong Pagar United vs Lion City Sailors | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on Youtube or meWATCHTV
