Written by: Shawn Lim

Balestier Khalsa vs Geylang International

(Friday, 18 September, 7:30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Balestier Khalsa will have a chance to move back into the top three of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table when they meet an under-performing Geylang International side on Friday night.

The Tigers missed a golden opportunity to cement their position in third place last week after falling to a 4-2 defeat to defending champions Warriors FC.

Balestier also had to play a large part of the second half with only nine men after their overeagerness in chasing back the game resulted in Yusiskandar Yusop and Poh Yifeng being sent off for early baths after blatant fouls.

Now that they have a chance to make up ground in their bid to stay in title contention, Marko Kraljevic will be hoping that his side keep their composure and discipline throughout the entire 90 minutes.

“Second half we became emotional, and when you put your emotion into the game. You rush decisions and cross the line and it affects the whole team,” Kraljevic said after his side’s defeat to Warriors.

“We finished with two players less and it was very hard to defend. We lost the game but we learn and move on.”

Meanwhile, the Geylang team will be well-rested after their game against Home United earlier in the week was called off when the Pollution Standards Index rose to unhealthy levels.

With a couple more days to rest than their opponents, Jorg Steinebrunner will be hoping that his charges achieve a victory this time round against the Tigers.

Both teams had drawn with each other in an earlier meeting this season after the Eagles had to score two goals to achieve a come from behind draw.

A victory for Geylang will be a huge relief for Steinebrunner as it will see his club finally move out of the bottom of the table.

Suspensions: Yusiskandar Yusop, Poh Yifeng (Balestier Khalsa), Anaz Hadee (Geylang International)

Key Men to Watch

Balestier Khalsa: Miroslav Kristic

The Croatian was the only bright spark in the Tigers’ calamitous defeat to the Warriors, grabbing two consolation goals even after his side were reduced to nine men.

Currently the second top-scorer in the league, Kristic will be eyeing for more goals.

Geylang International: Jozef Kaplan

Like his counterpart Kristic, the Geylang captain has carried his team on his shoulders more often than not this season.

In spite of his club’s bottom position in the league table, Kaplan is currently the third top-scorer in the league and has a knack for being in the right position to score.

If Balestier do not keep a close eye on the Slovakian for the entire 90 minutes, they might be in for a nasty surprise.

Balestier Khalsa – LLDWL

13/09/15  Warriors FC 4-2 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

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)

Geylang International – LWLLD

29/08/15  Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)

20/08/15  Geylang International 1-3 Courts Young Lions (S.League)

16/08/15  Geylang International 1-4 (AET) Global FC (Singapore Cup)

13/08/15  Global FC 0-1 Geylang International (Singapore Cup)

05/08/15  Brunei DPMM 3-1 Geylang International (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

15/05/15  Geylang International 2-2 Balestier Khalsa

06/03/15  Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Geylang International

31/07/14  Geylang International 1 – 2 Balestier Khalsa

17/04/14  Balestier Khalsa 1 – 1 Geylang International

16/05/13  Geylang International 2 – 2 Balestier Khalsa