Warriors vs Harimau Muda

(March 12, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Warriors FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Harimau Muda at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Wednesday night. Alex Weaver’s side fell 2-0 to Brunei DPMM in their last game but they will be the favourites for this match against a Harimau Muda side still looking for their first points of the season

Warriors will welcome the return of Marin Vidosevic who was suspended for the DPMM encounter after collecting two yellow cards in their opening match against Geylang International.

However it will not be easy for the Warriors to claim a result against the Malaysian side.

Their midfield trio of Kevin McCann, Miroslav Pejic and Zulfadli Zainal may have had it easy against Geylang, but they seem uninspired and lacked the creativity to unlock defences in Brunei.

While chalking up a 54% of ball possession against DPMM, Warriors only managed to have nine shots in that match, the lowest of all teams in Round 2 of matches, and to make matters worse, none of the shots hit the target.

But as Albirex Niigata’s victory over Harimau showed, the Young Tigers are inexperienced and have a tendency to crumble in difficult situations. With a pressing game the Warriors might be able to find the breakthrough they desire.

Razip Ismail’s side only had 42% of ball possession against the Japanese outfit and five shots on target, with a 75% passing accuracy.

While the Malaysian side have yet to taste victory this season, they are not one to give in easily.

Harimau Muda’s players are known for their determination and spirited attitude even when they are trailing in a match. Having young and hungry players with the desire to do well within the mix, Harimau may find the motivation to pop up with a surprise win over the Warriors.

Key Men To Watch

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

The Croatian was the best performer for Warriors in their previous match against Brunei DPMM.

Pejic likes to lurk on the flank and catch the opponent off guard with his nifty footwork and precise cross into the box.

According to InStat index, Pejic made 100% successful dribbles and 75% of his attempted passes into the opponent box against the Bruneians.

The statistics suggest Pejic is capable of working his magic and fizzling his markers out into oblivion, and he should be a man Harimau Madu should do well to guard tightly.

Harimau Muda: Afiq Fazail

The midfielder is a central figure in shaping Harimau Muda’s spine as shown in their last two matches against Albirex and Tanjong Pagar. While they lost both matches, Afiq displayed a solid performance and the ability to penetrate the final third.

The 20-year-old had an impressive 84% passing accuracy, winning 67% of the battles in midfield and 80% of aerial challenges won in their previous match and this will serve him well in his bid to help Harimau Muda dominate the centre of the park.

Warriors – LWDLW

28/2/14    Brunei DPMM 2-0 Warriors FC

23/2/14    Warriors 2-1 Geylang International

5/11/13        Warriors 1-1 Harimau Muda

31/10/13    Courts Young Lions 2-1 Warriors

23/10/13    Warriors FC 3-2 Brunei DPMM

Harimau Muda – LLDDL

27/2/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 3-0 Harimau Muda

24/2/14    Harimau Muda 1-2 Tanjong Pagar

5/11/13        Warriors 1-1 Harimau Muda

31/10/13    Harimau Muda 2-2 Brunei DPMM

27/10/13    Harimau Muda 0-3 Courts Young Lions

Head to Head (S.League)

5/11/13        Warriors 1-1 Harimau Muda

17/7/13    Warriors 2-1 Harimau Muda

6/4/13        Harimau Muda 2-1 Warriors

1/9/12        Harimau Muda 4-1 Warriors

1/4/12        Warriors 1-2 Harimau Muda