Written by: Aysha Ridzuan

Home United vs Hougang United
(Friday, 29 April, Jalan Besar Stadium, 7.45pm)

Home United will host Hougang United in the week’s LIVE Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night.

This will be the Protectors’ third game at Jalan Besar Stadium this month, in which they have won one and drew the second.

Coming into the game on a high after a 2-1 win against Warriors FC last week at the same venue, the Protectors will have to do better if they intend to grab any points against Cheetahs

The draw against Geylang International and the loss against Albirex Niigata (S) earlier this month showed that Home still have much to work on in their defence.

Any lapses of defensive mistakes would allow Hougang’s striker Stipe Plazibat who already has six goals under his belt, to hurt them.

Khairul Nizam is expected to start again upfront while Faris Ramli who came in from the bench to play 20 minutes may be on the bench as he is still working on his match fitness.

The Cheetahs who sat out in the last round of fixtures after a 1-0 win against Warriors FC on 14 April, are currently third in the league after eight games.

With only one point behind second-placed Tampines Rovers, Hougang who have won four out of their last five matches, will definitely be looking to end the week on a better position.

They will mostly have a fit squad to face Home United but with the exception of injured Ali Hudzaifi and Delwinder Singh.

Hougang beat Home 1-0 in the first round and on paper, it looks like they have a high chance to do the double on Friday.

However, the they will have to be careful of Ken Ilso, who played a prime role in Home’s win against Warriors.

Key Men To Watch

Home United: Ken Ilso

The Dane was too much to handle for Warriors FC last week and he could still be a threat to Hougang.

He has been a crucial player for Home United and coach Philippe Aw has been able to fully utilise him in his style of game.

Hougang United: Stipe Plazibat

Already six goals under his belt, the Croatian has proved to be one of Cheetah’s best signing this season, if not the best.

His ability to find space with his speed and technique could keep Hougang in the title race.

Home United – LWWLW

22/04/16  Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (S.League)
15/04/16  Geylang International 2-2 Home United (S.League)
08/04/16  Home United 0-3 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
03/04/16  Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Home United (S.League)
13/03/16  Home United 4-1 Garena Young Lions (S.League)

Hougang United – WWLWW

14/04/16  Warriors 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)
07/04/16  Hougang United 3-1 Geylang International (S.League)
02/04/16  Albirex Niigata FC (S) 2-0 Hougang United (S.League)
19/03/16  Hougang United 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
10/03/16  Garena Young Lions 1-3 Hougang United (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

18/02/15  Hougang United 1-0 Home United
17/09/15  Hougang United 0-1 Home United
14/05/15  Home United 4-0 Hougang United
06/03/15  Hougang United 1-1 Home United
17/07/14  Home United 1-2 Hougang United