Woodlands Wellington vs Geylang International

(August 22, Friday, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

It will be a battle between teams in the lower tier of the league table as Woodlands Wellington and Geylang International lock horns at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night in Week 20 of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League.

It has not been much of a fruitful season for both sides, especially for the Rams, who have to rely on Salim Moin to overturn their fortunes after the departure of Darren Stewart in mid-season.

Salim’s appointment was followed by improved but inconsistent results, as Woodlands could not climb up the table as easily as they thought.

It is well worth noting that the last time this two side met, Woodlands got knocked out by Geylang in the preliminary round of the RHB Singapore Cup with a thumping 5-1 scoreline.

It has somehow been a similar story for the Eagles this season, as V.Kanan was replaced by Jorg Steinebrunner early this season.

Anything except for a defeat would ensure the Rams stay a spot above the Eagles, as it is only one point separating both sides.

If Woodlands fail to beat Geylang, they would mathematically stand no chance of reaching the top half of the table before the second round of the season comes to an end.

As for Geylang, they also do share the same scenario, which explains how much of a tight game this would be.

Key Men To Watch

Woodlands Wellington: Chang Jo Yoon

Certainly a fan-favourite, Chang has been an ‘eye-catcher’ with his mazy dribbles and placing shots. But those movements have only brought him five league goals this season, and the South Korean would be looking to combine with his compatriot Moon Soon Ho to bang in the goals for Woodlands.

Geylang International: Yuki Ichikawa

The Japanese can fit anywhere in the back four, and his speed and crossing ability award him chances to surge forward to get involved in attacks. That would be what Ichikawa would be looking for against Woodlands, to support the midfielders.

According to InStat, Ichikawa succeeded in 83% of his challenges and 100% of his tackles in the last game against Balestier Khalsa. So while the defender will be able to help out in attack, he has also demonstrated that he will not neglect his defensive duties.

Woodlands Wellington – LLWLL

31/7/14    Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Tampines Rovers

17/7/14    Brunei DPMM 3-1 Woodlands Wellington (StarHub League Cup QF)

11/7/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-0 Singapore Recreation Club (StarHub League Cup Group C)

8/7/14      Woodlands Wellington 1-6 Home United (StarHub League Cup Group C)

1/7/14      Woodlands Wellington 1-3 Courts Young Lions

Geylang International – LLWWW

31/7/14    Geylang International 1-2 Balestier Khalsa

21/7/14    Geylang International (0) 0-0 (3P) Brunei DPMM (StarHub League Cup SF)

18/7/14    Geylang International 3-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (StarHub League Cup QF)

15/7/14    Warriors FC 0-4 Geylang International (StarHub League Cup Group B)

7/7/14      Geylang International 2-1 Tampines Rovers (StarHub League Cup Group B)

Head to Head (S.League)

26/4/14    Geylang International 1-1 Woodlands Wellington

23/8/13    Geylang International 1-2 Woodlands Wellington

18/4/13    Woodlands Wellington 0-0 Geylang International

21/6/12    Geylang International 1-1 Woodlands Wellington

19/2/12    Woodlands Wellington 3-1 Geylang International

18/10/11  Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Geylang International

27/6/11    Geylang International 1-0 Woodlands Wellington

13/4/11    Woodlands Wellington 2-2 Geylang International