As the Singapore Premier League edges closer to its climax, Matchweek 31 promises a captivating slate of fixtures that may play a pivotal role in shaping the final standings. The action kicks off on Thursday at the Bishan Stadium, where Balestier Khalsa welcome Hougang United in a mid-table clash with both sides chasing to end the season on a high. On Friday, a struggling Ablirex Niigata (S) faces a stern test against the red-hot Lion City Sailors, who are unbeaten in their last 14 league matches and hitting peak form at a crucial juncture. The round concludes on Tuesday with Brunei DPMM travelling to the East to face Geylang International, with the Eagles looking to strengthen their grip on third spot after a mixed bag of results over their past few league matches.
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Tigers and Cheetahs set to battle for fifth place
Balestier Khalsa vs Hougang United | 24 April | 7:45pm | Bishan Stadium | Singtel Ch111
Team news for Balestier Khalsa:
No team news.
Team news for Hougang United:
Stjepan Plazonja is a doubt for the match.
Zulfahmi Ariffin will serve the last of his four-match ban.
- Balestier have failed to win any of their last five home matches, with their recent 3-3 draw against Tanjong Pagar United ending a run of four straight losses at home.
- Hougang have also struggled on the road, only winning one and drawing one of their last seven away games.
- The previous five league meetings between Hougang and Balestier suggest that this fixture is often tightly contested, with each side winning twice and the other match ending in a draw.
Swans look to upset the Sailors in the West
Albirex Niigata (S) vs Lion City Sailors | 25 April | 7:45pm | Our Tampines Hub | Singtel Ch111
Team news for Albirex Niigata (S):
- Syed Firdaus Hassan and Arshad Shamim are suspended for the match.
Team news for Lion City Sailors:
Anumanthan Kumar is a doubt for the match.
- The Sailors are unbeaten in their last seven away league games, notching five wins and drawing two games during that run.
- Albirex have lost three and drew one of their past four league games, while failing to score in any of those matches. Their last league win was a comfortable 4-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa in Feburary.
- The Sailors have scored 15 goals in their last four games in this fixture, but have only managed to clinch two wins in those games, with the other two ending in defeats.