Written by: Shawn Lim

Home United will host Hougang United at Bishan Stadium on Thursday night in the first preliminary round of the 2016 RHB Singapore Cup

The Protectors, who are last year’s runners-up, are coming into the competition in good form having stayed unbeaten in their last five games, which included a 5-0 thrashing of Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League defending champions Brunei DPMM.

In contrast, the Cheetahs are going through a bad patch after an amazing start to the season, which saw them sitting at the summit in the early part of their campaign and have only one win in their last four games.

However, coach K.Balagumaran is hoping that his side’s league woes will not affect their performance in cup competitions and is keen to spring a surprise or two against the Protectors.

“We created chances and we could have scored… I just can’t find fault with my team,” Balagumaran said after his side’s 1-1 draw with Garena Young Lions last week.

“We need to work on the mental part; they need to stay strong. They are under pressure now, so we have got to work on the mental aspect

“Home is not an easy game and we need to work extra hard. I believe that we can get something out of the game”

The Protectors will be without the services of the injured Juma’at Jantan, as well as custodian Hyrulnizam Juma’at, who is away on reservist, but will welcome back Khairul Nizam and Zulfahmi Arifin.

Home United – DWWWW

19/05/16  Home United 5-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
13/05/16  Tampines Rovers 1-2 Home United (S.League)
20/04/16  Home United 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
22/04/16  Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (S.League)
15/04/16  Geylang International 2-2 Home United (S.League)

Hougang United – WLDLD

19/05/16  Hougang United 1-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)
14/05/16  Brunei DPMM 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
04/05/16  Hougang United 1-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
29/04/16  Home United 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
14/04/16  Warriors 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)