With the Lion City Sailors officially crowned Singapore Premier League champions following last weekend’s draw against BG Tampines Rovers, attention now shifts towards the battles still unfolding across the rest of the table. From the race for second place to the fight for momentum heading into the closing stages, Matchweek 20 still has plenty left to offer.
Balestier eye momentum against Jaguars
Balestier Khalsa will be aiming to build on their win last time out when they host Tanjong Pagar United on Saturday night.
Elijah Lim snatched a late winner for the Tigers in their dramatic 3-2 victory over Geylang International last weekend, as Marko Kraljevic’s side showed resilience to stave off the Geylang comeback having initially raced to a two goal lead. Jakov Katusa continues to be an influential figure in the final third, and the Tigers will be eager to carry that confidence into another important home fixture.
Tanjong Pagar United, meanwhile, remain in search of a turnaround after a narrow 2-1 defeat to Hougang United. Head Coach Noh Alam Shah will take heart from the battling display from his charges, with Emilio Estevez getting on the scoresheet and Zaiful Nizam producing a strong save to deny Victor Blasco from the penalty spot. The Jaguars will need a disciplined defensive display if they are to contain a Balestier side growing in confidence.
Balestier Khalsa vs Tanjong Pagar United | 9 May | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Young Lions seek response against Geylang
Young Lions return to Jalan Besar Stadium looking to bounce back when they take on Geylang International.
The developmental side pushed Albirex Niigata (S) all the way in their previous outing before eventually falling to a narrow 1-0 defeat, continuing a run of performances that have shown discipline and resilience despite difficult results. Head Coach Firdaus Kassim will be hoping his side can turn those encouraging performances into points.
Geylang, however, will arrive determined to respond after falling to a late winner in their 3-2 defeat at the hands of Balestier Khalsa. The Eagles will be aiming to secure all three points as they look to strengthen their grip on fifth position, with Hougang United only two points behind them.
Young Lions vs Geylang International | 9 May | 7:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Hougang aim to topple BG Tampines
Hougang United will look to continue their recent improvement when they host BG Tampines Rovers on Sunday evening.
The Cheetahs followed up their convincing win over Balestier Khalsa with another positive result against Tanjong Pagar United, with Farhan Zulkifli snatching the winner late on. With momentum beginning to build as the season nears its conclusion, Hougang will be eager to test themselves against one of the league’s strongest teams.
BG Tampines Rovers come into this fixture after a goalless draw which handed the Singapore Premier League (SPL) crown to bitter rivals, Lion City Sailors. The Stags will be keen to respond by producing a strong performance against a resurgent Hougang side. With Stags’ star forward Hide Higashikawa a fitness doubt, Head Coach William Phang will have to rely on Trent Buhagiar and Glenn Kweh to chip in with the goals.
Hougang United vs BG Tampines Rovers | 10 May | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Champions Sailors target unbeaten run against Albirex
Fresh off sealing the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, Lion City Sailors now turn their attention towards a heavyweight clash against Albirex Niigata (S).
The Sailors secured the championship following a hard-fought 0-0 draw against BG Tampines Rovers, with Head Coach Jesus Casas praising both his players and staff after a demanding campaign. Despite clinching the title, Casas has stressed the importance of maintaining competitive standards.
Albirex Niigata (S), meanwhile, continue to apply pressure near the top of the table after back-to-back victories over BG Tampines Rovers and Young Lions. Shingo Nakano remains central to their attacking threat following his recent run of goals, and the White Swans will be eager to measure themselves against the newly crowned champions in one of the standout fixtures of the round.
Lion City Sailors vs Albirex Niigata (S) | 10 May | 7:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
