Written by: Shawn Lim

Home United vs Warriors FC
(Sunday, 14 February, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Home United will mark their return to Bishan Stadium by hosting uniform rivals Warriors FC in their first match of their Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League 2016 season on Sunday night.

The Protectors spent the whole of last season playing at Yishun Stadium as their traditional home ground was used for the 2015 SEA Games, and will be keen for a victorious homecoming when they play Warriors in the first uniform derby of the season.

Home will have the edge in terms of familiarity and understanding in their team as they have retained the core of their 2015 squad, while adding exciting youngsters like Faris Ramli, Khairul Nizam and Irfan Fandi to the team.

In contrast, Warriors have made significant changes to their squad, especially in the defence department which saw them concede 51 goals last season. They have added experienced players like Yazid Yasin, Shaiful Esah, Hafiz Osman, Zulfadli Zainal, Kento Fukuda and Madhu Mohana to their backline.

However, Protectors coach Philippe Aw is confident that his team are able to break down the strong Warriors’ defence as they have a good attack, which will be led by last season club top-scorer Ken Ilso.

“They have improved their backline, but we have good attacking options, so we will take our game to them,” Aw told the official S.League website.

“Let’s see on that day if their defence is better or our attack.”

Warriors coach Jorg Steinebrunner will almost have a full squad to choose from, but the Protectors will miss Ang Zhi Wei, Sufianto Salleh, Redzuan Atan and Mahathir Azeman through injuries.

Key Men To Watch

Home United: Ken Ilso

The Dane announced his arrival in Singapore football in style last year, scoring against Geylang International with a powerful drive from 20-yards out before scoring for the next three consecutive matches.

Ilso will be hoping for a similar start this season and will no doubt be pleased that he will be supported upfront by Faris and Nizam.

The former Danish U-21 striker will also be keen to stay injury free and add on to his tally of 11 league goals last season.

Warriors FC: Madhu Mohana

The centre-back will return to the S.League for the first time since playing for Woodlands Wellington back in 2011 and is keen to start off on a right note.

A rock in the heart of the defence for LionsXII last season in the Malaysia Super League, the 24-year-old will be a welcome addition to the leaky Warriors defence.

Madhu will have to be on his toes on Sunday night as Ilso, Nizam and Faris can hurt the Warriors if allowed space and freedom.

Home United – LLWWL

27/11/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-1 Home United (Singapore Cup)
24/11/15  Home United 2-0 Brunei DPMM (Singapore Cup)
15/11/15  Home United 2-1 Courts Young Lions (S.League)
08/11/15  Home United 2-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
05/11/15  Home United 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

Warriors FC – WLDLL

20/11/15  Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC (S.League)
06/11/15  Warriors FC 1-3 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
02/11/15  Tampines Rovers 0-0 Warriors FC (S.League)
30/10/15  Warriors FC 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
26/10/15  Warriors FC 2-0 Hougang United (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

21/10/15  Home United 2-1 Warriors FC
30/07/15  Warriors FC 2-2 Home United
05/04/15  Home United 1-4 Warriors FC
17/10/14  Home United 2-3 Warriors FC
24/08/14  Home United 2-2 Warriors FC