RHB Singapore Cup Semi-Final First-Leg: Global FC vs Albirex Niigata (S)
(Friday, 2 October 2015, 7:30pm, Clementi Stadium)
Both Global and Albirex Niigata (S) will certainly be seeking for an advantage when they meet on Friday evening in the first leg of their RHB Singapore Cup semi-final.
Albirex appears to have the advantage in this match-up, with Global having not played a game since the quarter-finals of the Singapore Cup after the conclusion of their domestic league.
Global finished second in their league, and their last domestic league game was played at the start of August.
They then took on Geylang International, whom they ousted in the quarters by clinching a 4-2 victory on aggregate.
It will be almost six weeks since Global last took to the pitch, and rustiness may be a factor that might affect how well the Philippines invitees can perform.
On the other hand, Albirex have not lost in their last seven matches. They are currently one of the in-form teams in the league, although three of their last matches have ended in draws.
But the prospect of progressing into just their second appearance in the final of the tournament will prove to be enticing, and will most certainly be a motivating factor for them.
With seven goals plundered in by the Japanese side in just three Singapore Cup games, do not count against Tatsuyuki Okuyama from adding more goals as they look to progress.
Global FC – DWDWL
13/08/15 Global FC 0-1 Geylang International (Singapore Cup)
01/08/15 Kaya FC 1-3 Global FC (UFL)
29/07/15 Global FC 2-2 Loyola Meralco Sparks (UFL)
25/07/15 Green Archers United 0-2 Global FC (UFL)
18/07/15 Manila Jeepney 2-2 Global FC (UFL)
Albirex Niigata (S) – WWDDD
16/09/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
28/08/15 Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
20/08/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Home United (S.League)
17/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 1-4 Albirex Niigata (S) (Singapore Cup)
14/08/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Cup)