SINGAPORE, 5 JULY 2019 – The top three are all in action this weekend, with third-placed Hougang United facing a tricky trip away to Geylang International first. The Young Lions will hope to upset second-placed Albirex Niigata (S), while leaders Brunei DPMM will have to deal with Warriors FC. In fourth, Tampines Rovers will entertain an out-of-form Balestier Khalsa side at home. We take a more in-depth look at this weekend’s matches…
Geylang vs Hougang | 5 July | 7.45 PM | Our Tampines Hub | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Shawal Anuar is suspended for the hosts, which could mean a start for youngster Zikos Chua. Hougang will have Zulfahmi Arifin and M Anumanthan back from suspension to bolster their options. The Cheetahs will close the gap on DPMM to five points with victory here.
Facts
– Geylang have conceded first in a game on ten occasions this season, the most of any team in the league.
– Victory for Geylang here would be their sixth of the season; they only won five times in the league last season.
Young Lions vs Albirex | 6 July | 5.30 PM | Jalan Besar | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Zulqarnaen Suzliman sits this out for the hosts due to suspension, while the visitors have Daizo Horikoshi as an injury doubt.
Facts
– Albirex have beaten Young Lions in their last ten encounters.
– Albirex are unbeaten in their last six games.
– Albirex have the league’s best defence (10 conceded); Young Lions have the worst attack (8 scored)
Warriors vs DPMM | 6 July | 5.30 PM | Jurong East | fas.org.sg/live2
Team news: Warriors are expected to be near full strength as they aim to get back to winning ways in a difficult clash against the leaders, who will miss centre-back Charlie Clough through suspension.
Facts
– DPMM have the league’s best attack (28 scored); Warriors have the worst defence (31 conceded).
– DPMM are unbeaten against Warriors in their last seven encounters, winning five of those.
– Andrei Varankou has gone three matches without a goal, his worst such streak of this season.
Tampines vs Balestier | 7 July | 5.30 PM | Our Tampines Hub | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Yasir Hanapi misses out for Tampines due to suspension, while Hazzuwan Halim serves the fifth of a six-game suspension for the visitors.
Facts
– Tampines have not lost any of their last ten league games at home.
– Balestier are on a six-game losing streak.
– Balestier have failed to keep a clean sheet in any of their last ten games, their worst run since June 2016.
