Izzdin has captained Home this season.

SINGAPORE, 18 SEP 2018 – Home United FC have to overturn a one-goal deficit in the return leg of a RHB Singapore Cup first-round tie against Tampines Rovers FC on Wednesday, 19 September at Our Tampines Hub. Kick off is at 7.45pm.

BACKGROUND The Stags won the first leg 2-1, with Jordan Webb scoring a late winner to give his side a slight edge.

Despite the advantage they have, Tampines left-back Shameer Aziq insisted his side have to be wary of a Home side that reached the AFC Cup ASEAN Zonal final this year.

Home are also traditionally powerhouses in the competition, reaching the final on eight occasions and bringing home the crown a record six times.

“Regardless of their history in cup competitions, we know how good a team Home United is but we have a good side too,” Shameer said.

Home will come into this game confident of troubling Tampines, who are in good shape too, having edged Balestier 1-0 in their last game with Madhu Mohana scoring the decisive goal.

However, Shameer said that fans can expect the unexpected on Wednesday, given the unpredictability of Cup competitions.

“In Cup competitions, form goes right out the window and it is about which team whom can be better on that day that will win the game,” he said. “We will give everything to make sure we end on the winning side.”

TEAM NEWS
Playmaker Yasir Hanapi will sit this game out after earning a dismissal in the first leg. Tampines have reported no other injuries and should have a healthy squad to pick from.

Home too should have a full squad at Head Coach Aidil Sharin’s disposal, with Rudy Khairullah the only long-term absentee.

FORM GUIDE
Tampines: WLWLW
Home: WLLWD

PREVIOUS MEETINGS
27/07/18: Home 1-2 Tampines – Singapore Cup
08/07/18: Home 0-0 Tampines – Singapore Premier League
26/06/18: Tampines 1-0 Home – Singapore Premier League
18/11/17: Tampines 0-0 Home – Singapore Premier League
23/10/17: Home 0-2 Tampines – Singapore Premier League

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR
Ryutaro Megumi – Tampines
In light of Yasir’s absence, the playmaking duties will fall upon Megumi’s shoulders. The winger has delivered seven assists and will be counted upon for more.

Shahril Ishak – Home
Shahril has already surpassed his goal tally from last season, showing that there is still life in those ageing legs. His contribution will be vital if the Protectors are to progress.

WHAT ELSE THEY SAID
Tampines defender Shameer: “After the win against Balestier, we now turn our focus to Home in the Singapore Cup. We are always ready for a battle no matter who the opponent is. It’s just the right preparation needed to overcome the challenge.

“It’s never nice to be behind the leaders by that many points this season but that’s all over and we can focus on winning the league next year, but for this year the main target now is to finish second in the league and definitely a Singapore Cup win with it would be perfect.”

Home midfielder Izzdin: “We are ready. We have already won the AFC Cup ASEAN Championship, so it will be good for us to win another trophy before the season ends. We want to play in the Asian Champions League qualifier next year. We will do our best to be there. The atmosphere in the changing room is good. We are ready to fight for our place

“Every game at this stage is very important for us. One slip and we are out of contention. We have to focus and I have faith in the team to deliver. We were able to do it in the AFC Cup, so we need to continue doing it for our last three games of the season. We will do our best to finish on the high. Every game is different and unique, but we must always have the same attitude and mentality. Regardless of who is playing on the field, we must be ready to fight until the final whistle. That’s what gives us the edge in every game that we play.”

Get your tickets for ALL Singapore Premier League games at fas.org.sg/tickets! and watch Home try to beat Tampines at fas.org.sg/live2!