Written by: Shawn Lim

Home United vs Geylang International
(Thursday, 23 June, 8pm, Bishan Stadium)

After only picking up one point in their last three matches since returning from the international break, Home United are determined to rediscover the good run of form that they were on before the break when they host Geylang International

The Protectors were also played off the park by current Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League leaders Albirex Niigata (S) in their last game where they lost 5-2 to the Japanese side, and even had to switch goalkeepers at half-time.

While Home retained their third spot in the league table after the defeat, their hopes of winning the league title are all but gone, as they are currently 16 points behind the White Swans and it doesn’t look like the Protectors will be closing the big gap anytime soon.

Home however, will be boosted by the return of coach Philippe Aw, who missed the last two games. The team will continue to miss the likes of captain Juma’at Jantan, Ang Zhi Wei, R. Aaravin, Nur Hizami and Sirina Camara because of injury, while Sufianto Salleh is suspended.

Home’s opponents on on Thursday night, Geylang, have also lost their way after the international break, losing both of their matches to Warriors FC and Hougang United.

The Eagles’ profligacy in front of goal have been the main cause of their troubles and coach Hasrin Jailani is keen to correct that before it gets worse.

“If you don’t take your chances and don’t score, you don’t win games, very simple,” Hasrin said after his side’s 2-1 loss to the Cheetahs.

“We had four or five opportunities to put the ball in the net. It was not good enough and we deserved to lose today.

“I take full responsibility, whether win or lose; maybe we should be doing more finishing in training, there’s a lot of things we have to work on.”

Geylang however, will miss the services of Safirul Sulaiman and Safirul Sulaiman because of suspension, while new striker Mark Hartmann is still ineligible because the Filipino has yet to receive his work visa.

Suspensions: Safirul Sulaiman and Shawal Anuar (both Geylang International), Sufianto Salleh (Home United)

Home United – WWDLL

18/06/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 5-2 Home United (S.League)
14/06/16  Home United 1-3 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
11/06/16  Garena Young Lions 2-2 Home United (S.League)
26/05/16  Home United 2-1 Hougang United (Singapore Cup)
19/05/16  Home United 5-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

Geylang International – WLWLL

18/06/16  Geylang International 1-2 Hougang United (S.League)
15/06/16  Warriors FC 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)
27/05/16  Geylang International 2-1 Warriors FC (Singapore Cup)
20/05/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)
14/05/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-3 Geylang International (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

15/04/16  Geylang International 2-2 Home United
30/10/15  Geylang International 2-1 Home United
08/05/15  Home United 0-1 Geylang International
03/03/15  Geylang International 1-1 Home United
22/05/14  Geylang International 1-4 Home United