Home United vs Geylang International

(March 1, Saturday, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Written by: Kenneth Ho

After a losing start to the season, league runner-ups last season Home United will want to bounce back from their defeat 1-0 by Tampines Rovers in the Charity Shield, which also doubled up as a league fixture.

The Protectors welcome Geylang International at their homeground, Bishan Stadium on Saturday night. Geylang similarly suffered defeat in their opening game, going down 2-1 to Warriors FC.

For Home, forward Qiu Li will be unavailable for selection after being sent off in the game against Tampines.

This leaves Lee Lim Saeng’s side lacking in the striking department with Indra Sahdan still to be fully fit while Bruno Castanheira may not feature after he suffered a knock and had to be substituted in the previous game.

Geylang fans may finally get to watch new signing Leonel Felice in action after the striker received clearance from the authorities to play for the Eagles.

However, Kanan has a selection dilemma on his hands after the fiasco of only being able to name three outfield players on his bench in the game against Warriors. The Eagles Prime League players took their mandatory fitness test on Thursday, and Kanan has had only two days to assess who was able to play in the match against Home.

On paper, this should be a match Home would win with ease given the quality of players they have, which includes S.League 2013 Player of the Year Lee Kwan Woo.

However, Geylang are a bit of an unknown quality with the inclusion of Felice and several of their Prime League players. The Eagles could spring a surprise on Home, especially if Home fails to name a orthodox forward to start.

Key Man to Watch

Home United: Lee Kwan Woo

Home are currently the side with the most ball possession in the league (67%), and their ability to pass the ball (87% of passes found its mark).should help them create more chances.

Lee’s passing (completion rate of 82%) will be handy in allowing Home to play their usual game. The South Korean’s shooting prowess from distance will also give Home a edge given their their lack of striking options.

Geylang International: Leonel Felice

There are no stats as yet for the Argentinean striker, but he may be a key factor for Geylang should they wish to secure a result. Brought in to replace top scorer Jozef Kaplan who has since left for greener pastures, Felice will shoulder the responsibility of scoring goals for the Eagles.

The Argentinean is an unknown quality and this may play into Felice’s  advantage as defenders are not unsure of what to expect from him and so be surprised by him.

Home United – LLWWW

25/2/14             New Radiant 1-0 Home United (AFC Cup)

21/2/14             Tampines Rovers 1-0 Home United

8/11/13             Home United 4-1 Tanjong Pagar United (Singapore Cup)

4/11/13             Home United 3-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

30/10/13          Tanjong Pagar United 0-1 Home United

Geylang International – LDWWW

23/2/14            Warriors 2-1 Geylang International

6/11/13            Brunei DPMM 2-2 Geylang International

29/10/13         Hougang United 1-4 Geylang International

24/10/13         Geylang International 1-0 Courts Young Lions

18/10/13         Geylang International 3-0 Warriors

Head to Head (S.League)

4/7/2013         Home United 2-1 Geylang International

23/3/2013      Geylang International 1-3 Home United

18/7/2012      Home United 7-3 Geylang International

11/3/2012      Geylang International 1-7 Home United

27/11/2011    Home United 5-0 Geylang International

8/8/2011        Geylang International 1:3 Home United

26/4/2011      Home United 2-1 Geylang International