Geylang International vs Harimau Muda
(June 19, Thursday, 7.30pm, Bedok Stadium)
Written by: Muhammad Yazid
Up against the bottom-placed team Harimau Muda, Geylang International are in for a relatively comfortable win, should things go well for them.
The reverse fixture earlier this season saw Geylang putting three past Harimau, and the Eagles have arguably kept their form since, with a recent 1-0 win against reigning champions Tampines Rovers strengthening their case.
The Eagles will be relying on Leonel Felice upfront, and the Argentinean has plenty of support from the flanks by Ridhuan Muhammad and Mustaqim Manzur, while Kento Fukuda and Yuki Ichikawa will be deployed at the heart of defence.
However, the visitors do have some spirit in them. This has allowed them to earn wins over Woodlands Wellington and Tanjong Pagar as their incessant running and desire to not lose saw them run their opponents ragged.
Ramzi Sufian will be one to look out for, as the young forward’s clinical finishing ability is expected to cause much trouble for the Geylang defence.
Key Men To Watch
Geylang International: Siddiq Durimi
The custodian has earned three consecutive clean sheets, against Tampines Rovers, Courts Young Lions and Brunei DPMM, and would be looking to make it four against Harimau Muda this thursday.
According to InStat, Siddiq successfully saved 60% of the total shots posed by Young Lions and his top-class save to prevent Sahil Suhaimi’s effort in that game is something the goalkeeper will keep in his mind to drive him to claim yet another clean sheet.
Harimau Muda: Ramzi Sufian
Almost half of Harimau Muda’s goals were scored by this youngster, Ramzi Sufian. The current top scorer for the Young Tigers posed so much threat in the game against Home United despite losing 3-1 and even scored his side’s only goal.
Ramzi converted 83% of his passes accurately in that game, and he is expected to trouble the Geylang backline consisting of Kento Fukuda and Yuki Ichikawa.
Geylang International – DWWLL
14/6/14 Brunei DPMM 0-0 Geylang International
6/6/14 Geylang International 1-0 Tampines Rovers
27/5/14 Woodlands Wellington 1-5 Geylang International (RHB Singapore Cup)
22/5/14 Geylang International 1-4 Home United
16/5/14 Geylang International 0-1 Warriors FC
Harimau Muda – LLLLL
13/6/14 Harimau Muda 0-1 Tampines Rovers
10/6/14 Home United 3-1 Harimau Muda
5/6/14 Harimau Muda 2-4 Warriors FC
29/5/14 Harimau Muda (5) 1-1 (6p) (AET) Tampines Rovers
23/5/14 Harimau Muda 1-4 Albirex Niigata (S)
Head to Head (S.League)
3/4/14 Harimau Muda 0-3 Geylang International
26/9/13 Harimau Muda 2-2 Geylang International
26/6/13 Geylang International 2-0 Harimau Muda
10/3/13 Harimau Muda 1-4 Geylang International
24/10/12 Harimau Muda 3-1 Geylang International
3/5/12 Geylang International 0-2 Harimau Muda