Written By: Nigel Chin
Warriors FC vs Balestier Khalsa
(Sunday, 13 September, 7:30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
Warriors FC will have a fight on their hands when they take on Balestier Khalsa on Sunday evening at the Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Warriors have won just once in their last eight league games, and this poor run of form has seen them dropping to fourth in the league table, trailing league leaders Brunei DPMM by six points.
Meanwhile, the Tigers are unbeaten in their last eight league games, which saw them leapfrogging Warriors FC into third spot.
Coincidentally, the last time they suffered a defeat was against Warriors in May.
Another defeat for Warriors will set them further back and hurt their bid to defend the title greatly.
However, Warriors coach Alex Weaver said after his side’s draw against Geylang International that they have shown evidence they are on the way to turn things around.
It will undoubtedly be a tough match against Balestier. Under coach Marko Kraljevic, Balestier have been moulded into a disciplined outfit that does most of their damage on the counter-attack, and that has been the key to their rise in prominence.
Kraljevic believes Balestier should be treated as a title contender, and a win against Warriors will prove it for sure.
Key Men to Watch
Warriors FC: Kevin McCann
The midfielder’s ability to unlock defence will be vital against a Balestier side known to stay compact at the back.
McCann also has the technique to shoot from range too, and Balestier will do well to keep an eye out for the crafty midfielder.
Balestier Khalsa: Miroslav Kristic
The Croatian hitman is currently joint-second in the top-scorer’s chart with 10 goals. His eye for goals is not the only thing that makes him a deadly attacker though, with four assists to his name as well.
Against a porous Warriors backline, Kristic will definitely be looking to cause some damage.
Warriors FC – LLLLD
29/08/15 Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)
23/08/15 Warriors FC 0-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)
19/08/15 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
15/08/15 Home United 2-0 Warriors FC (Singapore Cup)
12/08/15 Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (Singapore Cup)
Balestier Khalsa – WLLDW
29/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Brunei DPMM (S.League)
21/08/15 Tampines Rovers 0-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
17/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 0-4 Albirex Niigata (S) (Singapore Cup)
14/08/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Cup)
07/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
Head to Head (S.League)
07/05/15 Balestier Khalsa 1-2 Warriors FC
01/03/15 Warriors FC 1 – 0 Balestier Khalsa
01/10/14 Warriors FC 0 – 1 Balestier Khalsa
12/06/14 Warriors FC 1 – 1 Balestier Khalsa
28/03/14 Balestier Khalsa 2 – 2 Warriors FC
