Written By: Stanley Yeo

Balestier Khalsa vs Warriors FC

(Friday, 11 March, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)

Balestier Khalsa will be eager to move off the foot of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League table as well as achieve their first win in the league this year, when they take on Warriors FC on Friday night at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Two draws and a loss in the Tigers’ first three games of the season have left them rooted at the bottom of the table.

It might look like disastrous start for any team, but a closer look at their opponents suggest Marko Kraljevic’s side have had a tough run of games where they took in-form sides like the high-flying Geylang International and 2015 cup double winners Albirex Niigata.

While the Tigers have only conceded two goals this season, holding the best defensive record in S.League, they have struggled to convert their chances at the other end, with Robert Pericic injured and Miroslav Kristic struggling for form.

In contrast, Warriors FC finally broke their winless streak with a dominating 2-0 win over the Young Lions last week, where they should have racked up a win with a higher margin.

The likes of Hafiz Rahim, Hafiz Nor and Jonathan Behe will need to retain their composure when chances present themselves if they intend to break down a Balestier side renowned for defending deep.

However, Warriors head coach Jorg Steinebrunner is not too worried about his side’s profligacy in front of goal.

“A bigger problem will be not creating the chances. In football, if we are creating chances, we are doing something right,” said the German.

Steinebrunner has also jumped to the defence of Behe, who has been accused of having a lack of composure after missing gilt-edged chances/

“The goal he scored against [Young Lions] was a scrappy one but it is a goal. He will take confidence out of it.”

Key Men To Watch

Balestier Khalsa: Fazli Ayob

With Pericic out with a long-term injury, Balestier’s offensive threat pales in comparison to Warriors’ attacking players.

However, with a resolute defense, Balestier can really hurt Warriors through set pieces. That makes Fazli Ayob’s role absolutely vital.

If Fazli can get his deliveries from 30 to 50 yards right, big players like Miroslav Kristic and Fadhil Noh can get into the box and question Warriors’ defence.

Warriors FC: Jonathan Behe

In the game against the Young Lions, Nikola Rak and Shaiful Esah sent in waves after waves of pin-point crosses. However, Warriors were unable to take advantage of these deliveries.

Even though he bundled in a goal in extra time, Behe was the biggest culprit missing a series of gilt-edged chances.

Against a tenacious Balestier side, chances will be few and far between. Behe must be on point to take advantage of these chances for the Warriors to come away with all three points in this encounter.

Balestier Khalsa – LLDDD

03/03/16 Geylang International 0-0 Balestier Khalsa
27/02/16 Balestier Khalsa 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) ( S.League)
23/02/16  New Radiant 2-2 Balestier Khalsa (AFC Cup)
14/02/16  Garena Young Lions 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
21/11/15  Brunei DPMM 4-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

Warriors FC – LLDLW

04/03/16 Warriors FC 2-0 Garena Young Lions (S.League)
27/02/16  Brunei DPMM 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
14/02/16  Home United 2-2 Warriors FC (S.League)
20/11/15  Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC (S.League)
06/11/15  Warriors FC 1-3 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

13/09/15 Warriors FC 4-2 Balestier Khalsa
07/05/15 Balestier Khalsa 1-2 Warriors FC
01/03/15 Warriors FC 1 – 0 Balestier Khalsa
01/10/14 Warriors FC 0 – 1 Balestier Khalsa
12/06/14 Warriors FC 1 – 1 Balestier Khalsa