Written By: Kenneth Ho
Geylang International FC vs Hougang United FC
(Friday, 23 October, 7:30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
Geylang International will have a chance to move out of the bottom spot when they face nine-placed Hougang United at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
With a tally of 17 points, the Eagles will need a win to overtake their opponents – who are two points ahead – in the league table.
However, the beleaguered side will not be able to approach the match with much confidence, especially since they will come into the game on the back of a 4-1 routing by Tampines.
Hougang on the other hand seem ready for a fight, although they have lost their last two games. Against title chasers Brunei DPMM and Tampines Rovers, the Cheetahs were battling hard and could have claimed a point were it not for individual mistakes at the back.
This seems like it will be a low-scoring game, especially since both sides seem like they have trouble putting away chances of late.
Geylang’s Bruno Castanheira has flattered to deceive since his hat-trick performance against Courts Young Lions, and needs to get back to pace as soon as possible if the Eagles want to end the season strongly.
Similarly for Hougang, frontman Diego Gama could do with a goal too after not hitting the mark in seven games.
Key Men to Watch
Hougang United: Kunihiro Yamashita
This seems like it will be a tight fixture, and the odd goal might just separate both teams here.
Despite being a defender, Yamashita holds the title of being Hougang’s top-scorer with six league goals. His vital headers might just result in another goal, and could be the difference for the Cheetahs.
Geylang International: Hafiz Osman
It has been some time since Geylang have earned a clean sheet, and there is no doubt it would greatly boost the club’s morale to get one.
While three points will be the main objective, an immense performance from Hafiz at the back will also go a long way in helping the Eagles avoid finishing bottom of the team. Given his experience and abilities, this is something which should not be beyond Hafiz.
Geylang International – DDWLL
20/10/15 Geylang International 1-4 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
16/10/15 Harimau Muda 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)
04/10/15 Courts Young Lions 2-3 Geylang International (S.League)
18/09/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International (S.League)
29/08/15 Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)
Hougang United – DLDLL
20/10/15 Hougang United 1-2 Brunei DPMM
17/10/15 Tampines Rovers 1-0 Hougang United (S.League)
01/10/15 Hougang United 2-2 Courts Young Lions (S.League)
17/09/15 Hougang United 0-1 Home United (S.League)
28/08/15 Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
Head To Head (S.League)
19/05/15 Hougang United 1-0 Geylang International
12/03/15 Geylang International 0-0 Hougang United
21/10/14 Geylang International 0-4 Hougang United
23/06/14 Hougang United 2-0 Geylang International
11/04/14 Geylang International 3-2 Hougang United
