SINGAPORE, 16 JULY 2019 – The weekend has come early this week in the league, with four games spread evenly across Thursday and Friday. The match that stands out is probably the clash between Hougang United and Brunei DPMM, where a home victory could make things interesting in the title race. Of course, Albirex Niigata will have to take care of business against Home United to help make that happen, while Young Lions and Tampines Rovers are looking to bounce back from defeats. Balestier Khalsa could move off the bottom with victory against Warriors FC if results elsewhere go their way. We take a more in-depth look at this weekend’s matches…
Young Lions vs Tampines | 18 July | 7.45 PM | Jalan Besar | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Rezza Rezky is an injury doubt for the hosts, who won this corresponding fixture last season. Tampines will miss the suspended centre-back Amirul Adli, though the good news is that Daniel Bennett is fit again to play.
Facts
– Young Lions have won one and lost ten of their last 11 encounters against Tampines.
– Tampines’ last clean sheet came five games ago, against the Young Lions.
Home vs Albirex | 18 July | 7.45 PM | Bishan | fas.org.sg/live2
Team news: Adam Swandi will be out of action for the rest of the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, while Rudy Khairullah and Izzdin Shafiq are still not fit enough. Noor Akid Nordin has suffered an ACL injury as well and will not be available for Albirex, who are expected to be at full strength otherwise.
Facts
– Home have the opportunity to win three consecutive league games for the first time this season.
– Home’s last win against Albirex (excluding the Community Shield) was in June 2017, 11 games ago.
– Hami Syahin has one goal and three assists in his last four games.
Hougang vs DPMM | 19 July | 7.45 PM | Jalan Besar | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Hougang will miss the injured M. Anumanthan in midfield as they hunt a second consecutive win, which would close the gap on DPMM to five points. The leaders have Nurikhwan Othman and Hendra Azam suspended, but will welcome back Blake Ricciuto.
Facts
– Hougang’s last win against DPMM came in September 2017; they have drawn once and lost four of the subsequent five encounters.
– DPMM have kept seven clean sheets, the most in the league.
– Both teams have each scored four penalties, joint-most in the league.
– Abdul Azizi Rahman has scored in each of his last three games.
Warriors vs Balestier | 19 July | 7.45 PM | Jurong East | fas.org.sg/live2
Team news: Hazzuwan Halim, Nurullah Hussein and Ahmad Syahir are all suspended for the visitors, who have lost their last seven games.
Facts
– Jonathan Behe has scored in each of his last four games against Balestier, tallying six goals.
– This is Balestier’s worst losing streak since September 2011.
