Written By: Stanley Yeo

Home United vs Tampines Rovers
(Thursday, 3 March, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Tampines Rovers will be keen to continue their impressive start to the season when they pay Home United a visit at Bishan Stadium on Thursday night.

The Stags will go into the game in high spirits after their 4-1 demolition of Hougang United last week, led by star player Jermaine Pennant, to record their first victory of their Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League 2016 campaign.

In contrast, Home will be hoping for a change in fortunes when they meet Tampines as the Protectors have endured a disappointing start to the season after a loss and a draw, and are desperately searching for their first win of the season.

With an attack that boasts the likes of Khairul Nizam, Irfan Fandi, Faris Ramli and Ken Ilso, Home certainly have the firepower capable of tearing apart any defence on any given day, but unfortunately, the quartet have yet to find their scoring boots.

However, Tampines head coach V.Sundramoorthy will not be taking the Protectors lightly, in spite of his opponent’s recent troubles.

Highlighting Faris, Irfan and llso as the dangerous players that Tampines have to look out for, he said: “While Home is quite a young team, I feel that they have a good attacking players in the form of Farisi, Irfan and Ken Ilso.

“It is important that we defend well against them in this match.”

While Sundram is aware that his team have leaked in four goals in their last two league games, he has no intention of altering his attacking approach as the Stags have scored eight goals so far to make up for their less than stellar defensive record.

“It is also important that we play to our strength, which is to go forward and play attacking football and try to score more goals than the opponents,” the 50-year-old former Singapore International explained.

Key Men To Watch

Home United: Faris Ramli

In a clash of two attacking-minded teams, this match up looks like it will end up being a high scoring affair.

Which is why Faris will be important in unlocking Tampines’ defence. On his day, the winger with his bagful of tricks can be a menace for any opponent’s defence.

In fact, the 23-year-old will be especially important this week, as he needs to be alert defensively as well.

Playing as a left-winger, Faris needs to track back and help out left full-back Sirina Camara against Pennant.

Tampines Rovers: Shahdan Sulaiman

The former LionsXII player was on point when he opened the scoring for Tampines last week against Hougang with a superb effort from just the edge of the penalty box.

Operating as a deep playmaker, Shahdan will be expected to contribute goals with his late runs into the penalty box but more importantly, he will be spraying 40 to 50 yards passes that are vital in unlocking Home’s defense.

Home United – WWLDL

18/02/16 Hougang United 1-0 Home United (S.League)
14/02/16 Home United 2-2 Warriors FC (S.League)
27/11/15 Albirex Niigata 2-1 Home United (RHB Cup)
24/11/15 Home United 2-0 Brunei DPMM (RHB Cup)
15/11/15 Home United 2-1 Young Lions (S.League)

Tampines Rovers – DLDWW

26/02/16 Tampines Rovers 4-1 Hougang United
23/02/16 Tampines Rovers 4-0 Sheikh Jamal (AFC Cup)
15/02/16 Tampines Rovers 3-3 Geylang
27/01/15 Mohun Bagan 3-1 Tampines Rovers (ACL)
21/11/15 Tampines Rovers 1-1 Harimau Muda

Head To Head (S.League)

08/11/15 Home United 2-3 Tampines Rovers
17/05/15 Tampines Rovers 3-0 Home United
13/03/15 Home United 2-0 Tampines Rovers
02/10/14  Home United 0-1 Tampines Rovers
18/05/14 Home United 2-2 Tampines Rovers