Written By: Kenneth Ho
Tampines Rovers vs Warriors FC
(2 Nov, Monday, 7.30pm, Jurong West Stadium)
Livestream URL: http://goo.gl/x85rRq
Tampines Rovers’ title hopes will hinge on how well they cope with three games in this week, which begins with a game against defending champions Warriors FC.
After seemingly being out of contention just a month ago, the Stags have surprised many with their late title charge to pick up six wins out of their last seven matches. Their only blemish is a 1-0 loss to Courts Young Lions during those games.
Even so, their title ambitions were only fully revived in their last game, after they collected a win against current league leaders Brunei DPMM to go within six points of them, with two games in hand.
However, the real test will begin this week, where they will face three tough games in the space of six days. After Warriors, the Stags have to entertain Balestier Khalsa and Home United.
Warriors will come into this game demoralised, after suffering a 2-1 defeat to Albirex Niigata (S).
That loss not only damaged their morale, but also ended the title bid of the club as they now fall ten points behind DPMM with only three games remaining.
With nothing but pride to play for, the Warriors may find it difficult to pick themselves up against an in-form Tampines.
They do have history backing them though, as they have beaten Tampines in four straight league games in their last five meetings.
Suspensions: Naeem Rahimi (Tampines Rovers)
Key Men To Watch
Tampines Rovers: Mustafic Fahrudin
In this crucial stage of the season, a leader will be needed to steer the ship steady and ensure the Stags can brave through the storm ahead of them.
As captain of the team, Fahrudin will be expected to do just that. Watch him lead the team by example, as he marshalls the defence at the back to nullify the threat of Fazrul Nawaz.
Warriors FC: Fazrul Nawaz
When it comes to the Warriors now, it is a no-brainer as to who is the man to watch, with Fazrul in red-hot form.
The Warriors might be out of title contention, but Fazrul is still in the race to claim the league’s Golden Boot after drawing level with DPMM’s Rafael Ramazotti on 18 goals. Expect Fazrul to try his best and grab a goal or two as he attempts to secure the top scorer award for himself.
Tampines Rovers – LWWWW
28/10/15 Brunei DPMM 0-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
20/10/15 Geylang International 1-4 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
17/10/15 Tampines Rovers 1-0 Hougang United (S.League)
27/09/15 Courts Young Lions 1-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
19/09/15 Tampines Rovers 0-1 Courts Young Lions (S.League)
Warriors FC – DLLWL
30/10/15 Warriors FC 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
26/10/15 Warriors FC 2-0 Hougang United (S.League)
21/10/15 Home United 2-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
16/10/15 Courts Young Lions 2-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
19/09/15 Harimau Muda 2-2 Warriors FC (S.League)
Head to Head (S.League)
07/08/15 Warriors FC 2-1 Tampines Rovers
17/04/15 Tampines Rovers 2-3 Warriors FC
23/10/14 Warriors FC 2-1 Tampines Rovers
29/08/14 Warriors FC 2-0 Tampines Rovers
08/05/14 Tampines Rovers 3-3 Warriors FC
