Home United vs Warriors FC

(August 24, Sunday, 7.30pm, Bishan Stadium)

Written by: Yazid

Powerhouses in local football, uniformed giants and traditional rivals Home United and Warriors FC will face off at Bishan Stadium on Sunday evening.

It will be a test of title credentials for both Home and Warriors who are still in contention for the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League championship this season. Hence, it is imperative that they collect all three points here.

Unlike Home who still have the RHB Singapore Cup to fight for, the S.League represents the Warriors only hope of silverware this season.

If the Warriors want to have something to show for their efforts this season, winning here is simply the main objective.

The Warriors backline will have to be on their toes throughout to stop a potent Home attack who possess the likes of playmaker Lee Kwan Woo as well as forward Fazrul Nawaz who has the ability to cause damage.

The two in particular were equally impressive in Home’s last game, where they combined to devastating effects to down Albirex Niigata 4-2.

Warrior coach Alex Weaver said after his side’s 4-1 win over Courts Young Lions, he wants the team to play a more pressing game from the top to midfield. Looking at the game against Albirex, this should prove to be key.

The White Swans often stood off Home when the latter had the ball, and that allowed the likes of Lee to play long ball over the top for the forwards to run onto. With Bruno Castanheira and Fazrul capable of outrunning defenders, this could prove fatal. Hence, it is imperative Weaver’s boys play as per their coach’s instructions.

The Warriors too have the added incentive of vengeance, after Home trounced them 4-1 in the first uniformed derby earlier this season.

Key Man To Watch

Home United: Sirina Camara

Camara may not have been on the scoresheet in Home’s game, but his influence on the game cannot be understated.

Switching between the left midfield and left-back position, Camara has been able to contribute on both ends of the pitch. This is due to his ability to run up and down the pitch repeatedly with ease.

With his marauding runs down the flanks, Warriors will have a hard time tracking him, and this might open up spaces for the forwards such as Bruno.

Warriors FC:  Nicholas Velez

Velez has truly brought about excitement to the S.League this season. Blessed with pace, the forward also has the skills to go along with it. One touch, and he could be sprinting towards goal and leaving his marker for dead.

While Velez is known to be selfless and will play in teammates who are better positioned to score, the Argentinean has proven he is deadly in front of goals.

Home United – WWLWW

21/8/14    Home United 4-2 Albirex Niigata

30/7/14    Tanjong Pagar United 1-2 Home United

17/7/14    Home United 1-2 Hougang United (StarHub League Cup QF)

14/7/14    Home United 2-0 Singapore Recreation Club (StarHub League Cup Group C)

8/7/14      Woodlands Wellington 1-6 Home United (StarHub League Cup Group C)

Warriors FC – WLLWW

20/8/14    Warriors FC 4-1 Courts Young Lions

1/8/14      Warriors FC 1-3 Albirex Niigata (S)

18/7/14    Tanjong Pagar United (AET) 1-0 Warriors FC (StarHub League Cup QF)

15/7/14    Warriors FC 0-4 Geylang International (StarHub League Cup Group B)

12/7/14    Tampines Rovers 2-3 Warriors FC (StarHub League Cup Group B)

Head to Head (S.League)

2/5/14      Warriors FC 1-4 Home United

2/8/13      Warriors FC 0-1 Home United

15/4/13    Home United 1-1 Warriors FC

12/7/12    Home United 0-3 Warriors FC

4/3/2012  Warriors FC 3-3 Home United

16/10/11  Warriors FC 0-4 Home United

6/7/11       Home United 3-2 Warriors FC

7/4/11       Warriors FC 2-0 Home United