SINGAPORE, 18 APRIL 2019 – Leaders Brunei DPMM have the opportunity to extend their lead at the top, albeit for a day, when they return to league action at home this weekend against bottom side Warriors FC. Hougang United, Geylang International and Albirex Niigata (S) will look to extend their winning streaks, while Balestier Khalsa will be eager to bounce back from last weekend’s mauling.

Hougang vs Geylang | 20 April | 5.30 PM | Jalan Besar | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Centre-back Kong Howon is suspended for the hosts, who are chasing a second consecutive league win. Shawal Anuar is inching closer to a return for Geylang but will not return in time for this.

Facts
– Hougang have already won more games this season (3) than they did for the entire 2019 season (2).
– Hougang have the opportunity to keep two clean sheets in a row for the first time since May 2017.
– Stipe Plazibat has scored in five of his last six games against Geylang (5 goals).
– Geylang have the opportunity to win three consecutive league games for the first time since September 2017.
– Both teams each have two goalkeepers with at least one clean sheet so far.

DPMM vs Warriors | 20 April | 8.15 PM | Bandar Seri Begawan | fas.org.sg/live2
Team news: Adrian Pennock’s men will be confident of seeing off a Warriors side in torrid form at their Hassanal Bolkiah fortress for a third consecutive league win. The visitors have lost all four of their matches to date and will miss Poh Yi Feng due to suspension.

Facts
– Varankou has scored in four of DPMM’s five games so far.
– DPMM are on a club-record 12-game unbeaten league streak.
– Victory will see them equal their club record for consecutive home victories in the league – six, set in 2012.
– DPMM are unbeaten in their last six encounters against Warriors, winning four of those.
– This game pits the league’s best attack (13 goals) against the worst defence (15 goals).

Balestier vs Tampines | 21 April | 5.30 PM | Bishan | fas.org.sg/live1
Team news: Balestier remain without first-choice goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam and also have Nurullah Hussein suspended. Tampines are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season last time out against DPMM.

Facts
– Balestier have lost their last four encounters against Tampines.
– These two teams are the only sides to have scored from a direct free-kick situation this season so far (1 each).
– Tampines have eight different scorers in the league this season, at least three more than any other team.

Albirex vs Young Lions | 21 April | 5.30 PM | Jurong East | fas.org.sg/live2
Team news: Albirex are chasing a third consecutive victory and have a full-strength side to call upon bar Noor Akid Nordin. The Young Lions have Akram Azman out, while Zharfan Rohaizad and Saifullah Akbar are injury doubts. Abdul Rasaq, Nur Adam Abdullah and Syahadat Masnawi are away on Under-18 duty. 

Facts
– Albirex have won two games this season, both by 2-1 scorelines.
– Albirex have won their last nine encounters against Young Lions, outscoring them 37-3.
– Albirex are on a 42-game unbeaten run at home across all competitions.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!