With the Lion City Sailors already confirmed as Singapore Premier League (SPL) champions, the focus now shifts towards the remaining battles still to be decided before the curtain falls on the 2025/26 campaign.
The race for second place and the coveted AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) spot remains finely poised between BG Tampines Rovers and Albirex Niigata (S), while Geylang International and Hougang United continue their tussle for fifth place heading into the final round of the season.
Race for fifth place continues as Eagles face Tigers
Geylang International and Balestier Khalsa will both have plenty to play for when they meet at Our Tampines Hub on Friday night.
The Eagles were denied all three points heartbreakingly last weekend after Young Lions struck deep into stoppage time to rescue a 2-2 draw at Jalan Besar Stadium. Despite dominating possession for large stretches, Noor Ali’s side were once again left to rue missed opportunities in front of goal – an issue that has troubled them throughout the season.
Balestier Khalsa, meanwhile, come into this fixture with confidence after dismantling Tanjong Pagar United 6-0 in their last outing. The Tigers were ruthless in attack, with Tin Matic once again among the standout performers as Marko Kraljevic’s side secured their biggest win of the campaign. Having already wrapped up a third consecutive top-half finish, Balestier will now look to close out the season with a strong performance at Our Tampines Hub (OTH).
Geylang International vs Balestier Khalsa | 15 May | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Albirex banking on final-day twist in ACL2 race
Albirex Niigata (S) will look to build on their biggest result of the season when they host Young Lions at Jurong East Stadium.
The White Swans stunned Lion City Sailors 2-0 last weekend to become the first and only team to defeat the newly crowned champions in the league this season. Head Coach Keiji Shigetomi praised his side’s discipline and aggression after the match, while also stressing the importance of focusing on what remains within their control in the race for second place.
Young Lions, however, are unlikely to make things straightforward. Firdaus Kassim’s side showed tremendous character to snatch a dramatic late draw against Geylang International, with man-of-the-match Amir Syafiz praising the fighting spirit shown by the squad despite their difficult season. There will also be added motivation for the developmental side, having suffered heartbreak against Albirex just 10 days ago when a late Shingo Nakano penalty proved decisive between the two teams.
With the AFC Champions League Two (ACL2) race still alive for Albirex, there is little margin for error.
Albirex Niigata (S) vs Young Lions | 16 May | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
BG Tampines and Sailors renew rivalry in heavyweight clash
Another chapter will be added to one of the SPL’s fiercest rivalries when BG Tampines Rovers host Lion City Sailors on Sunday evening.
The Stags kept their hopes of finishing second alive with a gritty 1-0 win over Hougang United, although Head Coach William Phang admitted the performance was far from straightforward against a stubborn Cheetahs side reduced to nine men. With Hide Higashikawa still a fitness concern, BG Tampines may once again look towards the likes of Trent Buhagiar and Glenn Kweh to provide the attacking spark.
Lion City Sailors, meanwhile, suffered their first league defeat of the campaign last weekend against Albirex Niigata (S). Despite the setback, Jesus Casas remained upbeat, highlighting the opportunity to rotate his squad while insisting his side still wants to finish the season strongly ahead of the trophy presentation. Having already sealed the title, the Sailors will now aim to end the season on a high against their closest challengers.
BG Tampines Rovers vs Lion City Sailors | 17 May | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Hougang seek to bounce back against Jaguars
Hougang United will continue their pursuit of fifth place when they take on Tanjong Pagar United on Monday night.
The Cheetahs may have fallen narrowly to BG Tampines Rovers in their previous outing, but Akbar Nawas was full of praise for his players after an impressive defensive display, despite being reduced to nine men. Hougang frustrated one of the league’s strongest attacking sides for long periods and nearly found a way back despite the numerical disadvantage.
Tanjong Pagar United, meanwhile, continue to search for positives after another difficult result last weekend. The Jaguars were heavily beaten by Balestier Khalsa, but Head Coach Noh Alam Shah will once again demand a strong response from his players as they look to end the season with greater resilience and composure.
Tanjong Pagar United vs Hougang United | 18 May | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
