5 talking points ahead of Matchweek 4 of the Singapore Premier League
The Singapore Premier League returns for another round of thrills and spills in Matchweek 4. From teams at the bottom locking horns to potential upsets, here are five storylines to keep an eye on.
- Will Hougang United and Young Lions finally taste victory?
The two sides yet to taste victory this season go head-to-head in the first fixture. Both teams showed flashes of promise in their season openers, but were comfortably beaten in their next game.
A third league outing in 11 days is a test of the Young Lions’ fitness levels. Squad rotation could be a factor for Firdaus Kassim, but with dynamic forwards like Harry Spence and Abner Vinicius, Firdaus will aim to exploit a Hougang backline that has struggled with pace.
For Hougang, securing three points is imperative. After a toothless defeat to Geylang International in their previous match, the Cheetahs need to rediscover their attacking spark. A disorganised Young Lions defence does offer reason for optimism, but Hougang must also neutralise their opponents’ threat on the transition — and do so without key suspended figures like Yuta Kikuchi and Anders Aplin.
With both sides determined to break their winless runs, this contest could truly be anyone’s game.
Young Lions vs Hougang United | 2 October | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub |
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- Can Albirex hurt the Cheetahs?
Blessed with technically gifted and hard-running players like Katsuyuki Ishibashi and Takumi Yokohata, Albirex Niigata looks to have all the tools to mount a serious title challenge. The early signs look positive for the White Swans — who notched their first win against a surprisingly lacklustre 10-man Geylang side.
Having started the season positively, the Japanese will surely eye maximum points against a wounded Hougang side. The Swans’ pressing ability is set to make things uncomfortable for their opponents, who have been prone to defensive errors so far. With the Cheetahs still lacking assurance at both ends of the pitch, Albirex appear poised to capitalise on their instability.
Hougang United vs Albirex Niigata | 17 October | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium |
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- Is this the start of a new dawn for TPU?
Following two disappointing games, it seemed like Tanjong Pagar United’s woes were likely to carry on into the new season. But, the Jaguars responded by ruthlessly dispatching the Young Lions. This sets them up nicely for their clash with Geylang International, who have also just picked up their first league victory.
Their key forward Youssef Ezzejjari also opened his account for the season in style that night, netting four goals in 21 minutes. The Jaguars will be counting on that goal threat as they aim to end their winless streak against Geylang, having only managed two draws and three defeats in their last five meetings. They won’t have it easy against a tough Eagles side, who are one of only three sides to have recorded two or more clean sheets so far.
Geylang International vs Tanjong Pagar United | 18 October | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub |
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- Potential banana peel for the Sailors
After a testing start to the season, the Sailors appear to have hit their stride. The team’s 12-goal haul in back-to-back league wins over Balestier and Tanjong Pagar has given them a significant boost going forward. It is set to be an uphill battle for Young Lions, who have lost 14 of their last 15 meetings against the reigning champions.
However, this also presents a valuable opportunity for the young side to prove themselves. With the bulk of their team comprising players previously from the Sailors’ Under-21 squad, they will be eager to show that they can compete at senior level. Staying defensively compact and seizing opportunities when they come will be key for them, as they seek to grind out a positive result against what many term as the best team in the league.
Lion City Sailors vs Young Lions | 18 October | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium |
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- Could an upset be on the cards for Balestier?
It has been a mixed start to the season for the Tigers. They impressed in a tricky game against Albirex before suffering a heavy 5-0 defeat to the Sailors. However, a hard-fought 2-1 win over the Young Lions has given them some much-needed momentum heading into a challenging clash against BG Tampines Rovers.
They will come up against a Stags side who have yet to concede a league goal this season, with their new Japanese recruits hitting the ground running. But with the Tigers’ threat from set pieces, there will be avenues for them to impose their physical presence on their opponents. After coming under plenty of scrutiny pre-season, an upset here would send a strong statement of intent on their ambitions this season.
BG Tampines Rovers vs Balestier Khalsa | 19 October | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub |
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