Warriors FC vs Garena Young Lions
(Friday, 4 March, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Warriors FC are eager to put a stop to their winless start to their Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League 2016 campaign when they host Garena Young Lions at Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Friday night.

The nine-times league champions drew their opening game against Home United, before their match against Tampines Rovers was called off due to the torrential rain. Warriors then fell to a 3-1 defeat to defending champions Brunei DPMM last week.

In contrast, the visitors have already picked up maximum points this season after a surprise 1-0 victory over Balestier Khalsa in their opening game of the season.

Even though the Young Lions went on to lose their subsequent games to Albirex Niigata (S) (5-0) and Geylang International (2-0), coach Patrick Hesse believes that his side are improving in every game.

“After the loss to Geylang, I went back to watch the match again and saw that they could have scored five goals against us, but didn’t because we made lesser errors than before,” said the 58-year-old.

“So I hope we can progress even more on Friday because I have told them they can do better and I have shown them videos on how to improve tactically.”

Hesse has also set targets for his young team to meet as he feels that their performance on the field is as important as the result.

“The first objective is to play a good match. The result is important, yes, but the way we play is even more important,” said Hesse.

“Every game we must show that we have progress by making less errors technically and tactically, as well as physically and having a more mature mentality even after tough losses.”

The Young Lions will miss Ashrul Syafeeq, Muhaimin Suhaimi and Khairul Amri, but will welcome back Joshua Bernard Pereira before the 18-year-old leaves for a training stint with French Ligue 1 side St.Etienne.

As for Warriors, Jorg Steinebrunner’s side will continue to miss Madhu Mohana as the defender serves out his suspension, as well as Ismail Yunos who is out injured.

Steinebrunner will have to make a decision on whether to start Shaiful Esah, who has just returned for an injury, while the German will most likely start Syaqir Sulaiman alongside Kento Fukuda and keep Hafiz Osman at right-back.

Key Men To Watch

Warriors FC: Jonathan Behe

The Frenchman got on the scoresheet against DPMM, but was guilty of missing a truckload of chances, as well as a penalty to help his side draw level with the Wasps.

As the only main striker in the club, Behe has to prove that the pressure is not getting to him and that he can shoulder the load of scoring goals on his shoulders.

Garena Young Lions: Hami Syahin

The diminutive playmaker has shown why he is earmarked as a promising talent with his accurate passes, as well as linking up well with Adam Swandi in front of him.

Growing in confidence with every game he plays in, Hami will certainly be a handful for defenders as the season progresses.

Warriors FC – DLLDL

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)
02/11/15  Tampines Rovers 0-0 Warriors FC (S.League)

Garena Young Lions – DLWLL

25/02/16  Garena Young Lions 0-2 Geylang International (S.League)
20/02/16  Garena Young Lions 0-5 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)
14/02/16  Garena Young Lions 1-0 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
15/11/15  Home United 2-1 Courts Young Lions (S.League)
06/11/15  Courts Young Lions 2-2 Geylang International (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

16/10/15  Courts Young Lions 2-1 Warriors FC
23/07/15  Warriors FC 0-2 Courts Young Lions
20/04/15  Courts Young Lions 1-2 Warriors FC
20/08/14  Warriors FC 4-1 Courts Young Lions
24/04/14  Courts Young Lions 2-3 Warriors FC