Written By: Kenneth Ho

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Tampines Rovers

(Thursday, 10 September, 7:30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Tampines Rovers will have a chance to close the gap at the top of the table when they travel to Jalan Besar Stadium to take on Albirex Niigata (S).

V. Sundramoorthy’s side are currently in fifth-spot – something which was unimaginable at the start of the season. However, inconsistency has seen them falling behind league leaders Brunei DPMM, whom they trail by seven points right now.

A win over the White Swans will help the Stags move closer to the top of the table but first, Tampines need to overcome their poor form at the Jalan Besar Stadium.

Till date, Sundram has been left perplexed by his side’s four defeats and one draw in all competition at this venue. For a ground which brought him many wins and joys during his time as the LionsXII head coach, Sundram admits this situation feels unfamiliar to him.

However,  Albirex have the chance to take over the lead at the top of the table from DPMM with three points and they are unlikely to give up easily.

The White Swans have dropped points in their last two games with two draws recorded, and they will be keen to return to winning ways here.

Key Men To Watch

Albirex Niigata (S): Fumiya Kogure

The midfielder is the fulcrum Albirex’s offence and it is hard to see the Japanese playing a bit-part in this fixture.

Kogure has always been a big-game player, as he showed in the New Paper League Cup final when he scored against Balestier Khalsa to help his team to the trophy. Expect the creative playmaker to step up once again.

Tampines Rovers: Rodrigo Tosi

Once the most feared striker in the league, Tosi has looked a shade of his best this season. The striker still has the ability to hit the back of the net, but the service provided to him has somewhat been lacking in quality.

Should the frontman be given ample crosses in the box in this game, a goal or two might not just be that far off.

Albirex Niigata (S) – WWWDD

28/08/15 Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

20/08/15    Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Home United (S.League)

17/08/15    Balestier Khalsa 1-4 Albirex Niigata (S) (Singapore Cup)

14/08/15    Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Cup)

06/08/15    Courts Young Lions 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

Tampines Rovers – LLWDW

27/08//15     Harimau Muda 0-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

21/08/15      Tampines Rovers 0-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

13/08/15     Tampines Rovers 1-0 Brunei DPMM (Singapore Cup)

10/08/15     Brunei DPMM 3-1 Tampines Rovers (Singapore Cup)

07/08/15     Warriors FC 2-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

 

Head to Head (S.League)

05/06/15 Tampines Rovers 0-0 Albirex Niigata (S)

07/03/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0 – 1 Tampines Rovers

17/09/14 Tampines Rovers 0 – 0 Albirex Niigata (S)

25/08/14 Albirex Niigata (S) 2 – 2 Tampines Rovers

01/05/14 Tampines Rovers 1 – 1 Albirex Niigata (S)