Written by: Shawn Lim

The New Paper League Cup (Group B)

 

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Balestier Khalsa

(Monday, 18 July, 7.30pm, Jurong East Stadium)

After watching his side let slipped a two-goal lead to allow Geylang International back into the game in their opening match of their The New Paper League Cup 2016 Group B campaign, coach Marko Kraljevic will be keen that history doesn’t repeat itself again.

The Croatian knows that Tigers cannot afford to make the same mistakes again, because they will be facing a dangerous Albirex Niigata (S) side at Jurong East Stadium on Monday night, a side the coach has tipped to finish at the top of their group.

“It was good that we went two goals up in the first-half, but early in the second-half, they placed a lot of pressure on us and we conceded a goal,” Kraljevic said after the draw against the Eagles.

“We were not good enough in the second-half because we were unable to penetrate them or find space behind them when they were pushing up, so it was sad to concede in the last minute.

“We lost two points by conceding a last-minute goal but we need to move on and play better against Albirex.”

Kraljevic however, will be pleased at the performance of his players who looked comfortable at back and were dangerous going forward as Niko Tokic continued his good run of form and reserve goalkeeper Naqiuddin Nodin produced a couple of important saves.

As for the White Swans, they started their defence of the League Cup will a resounding 2-0 win over Home United and can book their place in the semi-final if they achieve three points against the Tigers.

The Japanese side have also not lost at home this season, as visiting teams have found it hard to cope with the new astroturf, which helps the White Swans play their slick football to full effect.

Albirex have no injury concerns and will have a full strength side to choose from, but coach Naoki Nauro might give some youngsters a chance game time, albeit from the bench.

Albirex Niigata (S) – WLWDW

14/07/16  Home United 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (League Cup)

01/07/16  Geylang International 2-2 Albirex Niigata (S) (Singapore Cup)

28/06/15  Albirex Niigata (S) 2-0 Geylang International (Singapore Cup)

24/06/16  Tampines Rovers 1-0 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

18/06/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 5-2 Home United (S.League)

Balestier Khalsa – LLWDD

14/07/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International (League Cup)

30/06/16  Home United 2-2 Balestier Khalsa (Singapore Cup)

27/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Home United (Singapore Cup)

24/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 1-4 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

17/06/16  Balestier Khalsa 2-3 Tampines Rovers (S.League)