Home United vs Balestier Khalsa

(April 5, Saturday, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Written by: Kenneth Ho

Balestier Khalsa will face a buoyed Home United at Bishan Stadium after the Protectors clinched their first victory in the AFC Cup this season following a 2-1 defeat of Churchill Brothers on Wednesday evening.

Initially suffering from a lack of firepower up front, the Protectors have returned to form in recent games following the return of many players including Fazrul Nawaz and Bruno Castanheira.

Fazrul continued his goal-scoring exploits by netting the equaliser in the game against Churchill and the Tigers will do well to keep their eyes on the frontman.

However, the Tigers’ task will be made harder following the unknown availability of Park Kang Jin as the midfield whiz continues his recuperation from injury.

Already looking devoid of ideas without Park, the Tigers will also miss regular starters Kim Minho, Yusiskandar Yusop and Ridwan Jamil, who all saw red in their last game against Warriors FC.

However, Balestier might be in with a fighting chance as Home also suffers from the suspension of their marquee player, Lee Kwan Woo. Without him, the Protectors lack a player who has the ability to turn defence into attack in an instant.

Suspensions: Kim Minho, Yusiskandar Yusop, Ridwan Jamil (all Balestier Khalsa). Lee Kwan Woo (Home United)

Key Men To Watch

Home United: Fazrul Nawaz

Once doubted whether he would ever be able to play again after suffering a life-threatening injury, the striker has returned in red-hot scoring form.

Scoring four goals in his last three games, the striker has the ability to appear in the right place at the right time. Fazrul can be counted on to provide Home with the goals to secure a win.

Balestier Khalsa: Paul Cunningham

The captain and heartbeat of Balestier. While Goran Ljubojevic has stolen the headlines with his goals, Cunningham has been an understated influence on his team.

Steadfast in defence, the New Zealander is one of the reason why Balestier have one of the best defensive record so far in the league.

Cunningham also has the ability to pop up with a goal. Pushed up front at times to win balls and test the keeper with his headers, Cunningham may be a crucial factor in this game.

Home United – WDWLLD

02/04/14    Home United 2-1  Churchill Brothers(AFC Cup)

27/3/14      Home United 2-2 Hougang United

23/3/14      Harimau Muda 0-3 Home United

18/3/14     Churchill Brothers 3-1 Home United (AFC Cup)

14/3/14      Home United 0-3 Brunei DPMM

11/3/14      Home United 1-1 Persipura Jayapura (AFC Cup)

Balestier Khalsa – DLWDW

28/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Warriors FC

21/3/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa

13/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Tanjong Pagar United

28/2/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Balestier Khalsa

23/2/14    Courts Young Lions 0-4 Balestier Khalsa

Head to Head (S.League)

25/10/13   Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Home United

17/7/13     Home United 1-2 Balestier Khalsa

4/4/13       Balestier Khalsa 0-4 Home United

17/6/12     Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Home United

10/2/12     Home United 0-0 Balestier Khalsa

2/8/11        Balestier Khalsa 0-4 Home United

4/5/11        Home United 5-2 Balestier Khalsa

15/2/11      Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Home United