Written by: Shawn Lim
Brunei DPMM vs Balestier Khalsa
(Friday, 15 April, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium)
Brunei DPMM will be looking to heap more misery on Balestier Khalsa when they welcome the Tigers to the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium on Friday night.
The Wasps, who are the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League defending champions, have won three out of their last five games, as compared to their opponents who have yet to pick up three points this season in the league and are on a five-game losing streak in all competitions.
Things do not look at all rosy for the Tigers at the moment and having already played a game earlier in the week, fatigue will certainly be a factor for Marko Kraljevic’s charges when they face DPMM.
Furthermore, key striker Miroslav Kristic has failed to find the net this season, and after missing a penalty-kick against Kaya FC in the AFC Cup last week, the Croatian’s barren spell looks set to continue.
“He (Kristic) must be mentally tough to bounce back,” said Kraljevic after the 3-0 loss to Kaya.
“Today he wanted to turn his luck and was hoping to score, but his penalty was saved. I’m not sure how he’s going to recover from this; for this, you must ask him.”
While the Wasps have no injury concerns, the Tigers are still sweating on the fitness of Shah Hirul and Fadhil Noh. However, defender Ho Wai Loon may make a start after being injured for the last eight months.
Key Men To Watch
Brunei DPMM: Maududi Hilmi
The winger-turned-playmaker has been a revelation for the Wasps this season, as he has used his speed and adaptability to play anywhere in attacking midfield to full advatange.
The Tigers do well to ensure that they not only keep a close watch on the usual suspects like Rafael Ramazotti, Paulo Sergio and Azwan Ali, but keep a close tab on Maududi as well.
Balestier Khalsa: Fazli Ayob
The winger has moved into the heart of midfield for Balestier this season and has looked very comfortable in his new role, pulling the strings in the engine room and dictating play.
Fazli also has deadly set-piece abilities, something the Wasps will be wary of and ensure that they don’t concede too many fouls in dangerous areas.
Brunei DPMM – WDWLW
08/04/16 Brunei DPMM 4-0 Garena Young Lions (S.League)
19/03/16 Brunei DPMM 1-2 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
11/03/16 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Home United (S.League)
04/03/16 Hougang United 0-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
27/02/16 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
Balestier Khalsa – LLLLL
12/04/16 Balestier Khalsa 0-3 Kaya FC (AFC Cup)
07/04/16 Tampines Rovers 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
03/04/16 Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Home United (S.League)
19/03/16 Hougang United 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
15/03/16 Kaya FC 1-0 Balestier (AFC Cup)
Head to Head (S.League)
21/11/15 Brunei DPMM 4-0 Balestier Khalsa
29/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Brunei DPMM
01/05/15 Brunei DPMM 1-2 Balestier Khalsa
25/10/14 Brunei DPMM 1-1 Balestier Khalsa
21/08/14 Balestier Khalsa 3-3 Brunei DPMM