Singapore Premier League • September 17, 2015
Tricky Tie Awaits In-form Protectors
Written By: Kenneth Ho
Hougang United vs Home United
(Thursday, 17 September, 7.30pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
Hougang United will represent a tricky obstacle for Home United to overcome on Thursday evening when both sides meet at Jalan Besar Stadium.
The Cheetahs have upset most of the top five teams recently, with Warriors FC (currently in third place) falling 4-1 to them while Albirex Niigata (S) (second place) and Brunei DPMM (first) were held to 1-1 draws.
Their only blemish in their last five games has been a defeat to Balestier Khalsa, but even then Hougang gave the Tigers a good fight in the 3-2 loss.
Hougang will have every reason to believe a win is achievable given their form, and will definitely use the chance to go for the three points which will allow them to overtake Harimau Muda to seventh place with a win.
As for Home, the Protectors too are currently in good form and are on a nine-game unbeaten run in all competitions.
A huge factor has been Ken Ilso’s return from injury, and he will be looking to score more goals for them.
Philippe Aw’s charges will look to maintain their form and mount a late charge up the table in order to realise their title ambitions/
However, the uniformed club will have to do so without Sirina Camara after the defender was hit with a four-game suspension.
Suspensions: Sirina Camara (Home United)
Key Men To Watch
Hougang United: Fareez Farhan
Whether he starts the game or come off from the bench, Fareez will surely be one to look out for against the Protectors.
A tricky forward with pace to match his skills, Fareez will be a nightmare for Home to defend against.
Home United: Azhar Sairudin
Apart from Ilso’s good form, special mention must also go to Hougang’s former playmaker, Azhar. After an indifferent start to the season, the midfielder appears to have finally found his feet in Home’s engine room.
Apart from pulling the strings in the centre of the pitch, Azhar has also developed an eye for goal and Hougang cannot afford to give him much space in this game.
Hougang United – DWLWD
28/08/15 Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
19/08/15 Harimau Muda 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)
07/08/15 Balestier Khalsa 3-2 Hougang United (S.League)
04/08/15 Hougang United 4-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
29/07/15 Brunei DPMM 1-1 Hougang United (S.League)
Home United – DWWWD
27/08/15 Courts Young Lions 0-2 Home United (S.League)
20/08/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Home United (S.League)
15/08/15 Home United 2-0 Warriors FC (Singapore Cup)
12/08/15 Warriors FC 1-2 Home United (Singapore Cup)
06/08/15 Home United 4-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)
Head To Head (S.League)
14/05/15 Home United 4-0 Hougang United
06/03/15 Hougang United 1-1 Home United
13/06/14 Hougang United 3-1 Home United
27/03/14 Home United 2-2 Hougang United
19/09/13 Home United 0-3 Hougang United