Balestier Khalsa vs Warriors FC

(March 28, Friday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Balestier Khalsa entertain Warriors FC at the Jalan Besar Stadium with only one point separating both sides in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table.

The Tigers’ three-match unbeaten run came to an end when they fell to a 1-0 defeat by Albirex Niigata (S) in their last match.

Balestier were insipid in that match as marquee signing Goran Ljubojevic was starved of service and fed off scraps, a stark contrast from when he received the ball continuously in the opening three matches and scored in each of them.

For Ljubojevic to thrive against the visitors, more service needs to be given to the lanky strike so that he may provide the Warriors with some headaches to deal with.

Midfielder Park Kang Jin is also another man Warriors have to keep an eye on, having proved that he can not only create but also score goals. However, the Korean’s availability is still unknown as he continues his recovery from an injury which kept him out in the last game.

Warriors have already suffered their first defeat when they fell 2-0 to Brunei DPMM away from home.

But with wins over Geylang International and Harimau Muda, they have fared better than they did last year when they only won one out of their opening three games, with the victory coming against Geylang.

The win over Hougang in their last game showed that the Warriors are great on the break and the full-backs of Balestier, Syed Thaha and Yusiskandar Yusop, will need to be alert to prevent any breaks down the wings with Warriors dangerman Miroslav Pejic fond of cutting in from the flanks.

Suspension: Hassan Sunny (Warriors FC)

Key Men To Watch

Balestier Khalsa: Goran Ljubojevic

The former Croatia Under-21 international has been a gem for the squad this year, notching up three goals thus far. Ljubojevic is not only a poacher as he also showed in previous games. The marksman also assisted in defence and rallied his teammates on in the final stages of every match to date.

In their previous match against Albirex, Goran won 58% of the aerial challenges and has a 67% passing accuracy.

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

The forward has been in scintillating form for Warriors FC so far, having already scored four goals this season. The Croatian likes to linger on the left flank before making the diagonal runs into the penalty box which has caught many defences by surprise.

Pejic displayed telepathic understanding between himself, Hafiz Rahim and Nicolas Velez in the attacking third during their previous match against the Malaysians. His brilliant performance in that match earned him an InStat index of 153, courtesy of his two goals.

Pejic is also known for his aerial prowess and strength, winning five crucial air challenges a week ago.

Balestier Khalsa – LWDWW

21/3/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa

13/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Tanjong Pagar United

28/2/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Balestier Khalsa

23/2/14    Courts Young Lions 0-4 Balestier Khalsa

7/11/13     Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Global FC (RHB Singapore Cup)

Warriors FC – WWLWD

20/3/14     Warriors FC 2-0 Hougang United

12/3/14     Warriors FC 3-0 Harimau Muda

28/2/14     Brunei DPMM 2-0 Warriors FC

23/2/14     Warriors FC 2-1 Geylang International

5/11/13     Warriors FC 1-1 Harimau Muda

Head to Head (S.League)

3/7/13       Warriors FC 1-1 Balestier Khalsa

24/3/13     Balestier Khalsa 2-0 Warriors FC

20/9/12     Warriors FC 0-0 Balestier Khalsa

12/4/12     Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Warriors FC

14/9/11     Balestier Khalsa 1-3 Warriors FC

1/6/11       Warriors FC 1-0 Balestier Khalsa

17/3/11     Balestier Khalsa 0-2 Warriors FC