Brunei DPMM vs Woodlands Wellington
(August 26, Tuesday, 8.15pm, Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium)
Written by: Kenneth Ho
Woodlands Wellington are unable to match their top-six finish from last season, but there will be pride at stake when they face Brunei DPMM at the Hassanal Bolkiah National Stadium.
After a dismal season so far, a good result at the league leaders’ homeground would go a long way towards instilling confidence in the players, as well as pacify the fans who have had to put up with losses after losses this season.
It would not be an easy task, considering the Rams’ form. Woodlands have lost three games on the trot in all competition, and not score a goal in the last two. The last point, in essence, has been the problem with this Woodlands side so far.
As opposed to last season where goals flowed freely for Woodlands, it has dried up for them this season and it will be hard to see how they can secure a result against the best offensive team in the league, and would most likely require a goal or two to gain a draw, which in all fairness would be seen as a superb result.
However, DPMM have not won a game since their exploits in the StarHub League Cup, where they secured their first silverware of the season.
The Wasps seemed to have been considering goals of late, despite still holding the best record for conceding the least goals in the league. This may help the Rams in their quest to score goals and secure a result.
Striker Roy O’Donovan is also available for selection again, and DPMM coach Steve Kean might have a selection dilemma right here, due to the form of Said Adi. The latter has come in to the squad to cover for O’Donovan, and he has been banging in the goals in the absence of the Irishmen.
Both strikers are deadly accurate, but offer different element; O’Donovan offers a aerial presence in the box, while Said is able to outpace most defenders in the league. With the last lap coming up soon, Kean might even play both strikers and opt to give Rodrigo Tosi a rest.
Key Men To Watch
Brunei DPMM: Adi Said
Despite all that has been said, I believe a good coach will not ruin something that has been working well for his team. Said should continue his run in the team, as Kean looks to keep the momentum going.
Playing in front of his home crowd, the Bruneian will want to give them something to cheer about and that should serve as ample motivation for him to try and score goals.
Woodlands Wellington: Ahmadulhaq Che Omar
With Yazid Yasin out due to injury, the goalkeeping responsibilities has fallen on Ahmadulhaq’s shoulders. The custodian knows he will have a busy game, due to the sheer prowess of DPMM’s firepower.
In his game against Tampines, Ahmadulhaq conceded two goals. But the InStat also showed that this keeper is a brave lad, as he made seven challenges in his own box. What’s more impressive is that Ahmadulhaq was successful in all of them. This should help him collect the dangerous balls, and reduce the chances DPMM can have.
Brunei DPMM – DWWWW
21/8/14 Balestier Khalsa 3-3 Brunei DPMM
3/8/14 Brunei DPMM 2-2 Hougang United
25/7/14 Tanjong Pagar United 0-2 Brunei DPMM (StarHub League Cup Final)
21/7/14 Geylang International (0) 0-0 (3P) Brunei DPMM (StarHub League Cup SF)
17/7/14 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Woodlands Wellington (StarHub League Cup QF)
Woodlands Wellington – LLLWL
22/8/14 Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Geylang International
31/7/14 Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Tampines Rovers
17/7/14 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Woodlands Wellington (StarHub League Cup QF)
11/7/14 Woodlands Wellington 1-0 Singapore Recreation Club (StarHub League Cup Group C)
8/7/14 Woodlands Wellington 1-6 Home United (StarHub League Cup Group C)
Head to Head (S.League)
30/4/14 Woodlands Wellington 0-2 Brunei DPMM
5/7/13 Woodlands Wellington 5-2 Brunei DPMM
31/3/13 Brunei DPMM 1-0 Woodlands Wellington
21/10/12 Woodlands Wellington 1-2 Brunei DPMM
27/4/12 Brunei DPMM 3-0 Woodlands Wellington
