Home United will be looking to get into the driver’s seat in the race for the AFC Cup spot as they face Balestier Khalsa in the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League at the Toa Payoh Stadium on Saturday night.

With three games left to play, Home United very much in with a shot at the qualifying for the AFC Cup. They sit in fifth place, a point behind Hougang United, currently occupying the second-best local side spot.

The Cheetahs are up against the title-chasing Albirex Niigata (S) and Home will be very keen to take all three points to ensure they fully capitalise on any points dropped by Hougang.

However, they are up against a team that are no pushovers.

The last time the two teams lined up on the field, Balester Khalsa qualified for the semi-final of the Singapore Cup at the Protectors’ expense as they secured a 4-3 aggregate win. A Niko Tokic double was enough to ensure a 2-2 draw in the second leg to knock Home United out.

National winger Faris Ralim’s late brace snuffed out any hope of a comeback from the Garena Young Lions as Home United ran out 5-2 winners before the international break in their last match.

That goal rush and keen eye for the back of the net is what makes Home United so dangerous this season. They have scored 41 goals in 21 games – a stat good enough for third highest scoring team in the league behind leaders Albirex Niigata and second-placed Brunei DPMM.

In stark contrast, the Tigers have struggled for goals this season, averaging just one goal per game which is the lowest in the league.

Forwards Niko Tokic and Miroslav Kristic have failed to make an impact in their stint in Singapore, scoring just seven goals between them as the Toa Payoh Stadium-based club struggles in second-last place.

While they have little to play for, the Tigers will try their best to finish the season on a high to continue the momentum on to next season.

They have already took points off Hougang United, who are also in the race for the AFC Cup spot and having experience in beating the Protectors this season, will be keen to do the same.

Suspensions: Zulkiffli Hassim, Nurullah Hussein (Balestier Khalsa)

Home United – WLWLW

30/09/16 Home United 5-2 Garena Young Lions (S.Legue)
23/09/16 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Home United (S.League)
10/09/16  Home United 1-0 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
12/08/16  Hougang United 4-2 Home United (S.League)
04/08/16  Home United 3-0 Warriors (S.League)

Balestier Khalsa – WLLDD

01/10/16 Hougang United 1-1 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
22/09/16 Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Warriors FC  (S.League)
25/08/16 Geylang International 2-1 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
19/08/16 Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
05/08/16 Garena Young Lions 1-3 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

14/06/16  Home United 1-3 Balestier Khalsa
03/04/16  Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Home United
26/10/15  Home United 2-0 Balestier Khalsa
03/08/15  Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Home United
08/04/15  Home United 3-1 Balestier Khalsa