Written by: Shawn Lim

Harimau Muda vs Warriors FC
(Saturday, 19 September, 8.00pm, Hang Jebat Stadium)

Warriors FC will have an opportunity to make up for lost ground in their title defence when they visit Harimau Muda at Hang Jebat Stadium on Saturday night.

A victory will see the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League defending champions move into second position in the league table, one point away from current leaders Brunei DPMM.

Having lost four out of their last five games before beating fellow title challengers Balestier Khalsa last week, Warriors coach Alex Weaver knows that his side cannot afford to drop any more points at this stage of the campaign.

In spite of their league position, Warriors also have the worst defensive record in the league and for Weaver, it is a conundrum he is still trying to comprehend.

“It is surprising and disappointing,” said the Englishman after his side 4-2 defeat of the Tigers.

“We have always put on a big emphasis on the offensive style I have tried to implement in the club but I would never have thought we would be one of those to score a bucket loads and concede more.

“When you are going for titles and championships and are trying to be successful, you can’t just do that, so that has been disappointing.”

Part of the poor defensive record included conceding two goals to their upcoming opponent Harimau Muda at home in an earlier league match this season.

Exacting revenge will be an added incentive for the Warriors as they look to pile on the misery for the struggling Young Tigers.

Razip Ismail’s side have lost two consecutive games in a row since beating Warriors and he will hope to stop the rot when they meet Weaver’s men.

Painfully out of their depth in their 5-1 loss to Tampines Rovers a few days ago at Jalan Besar, the Young Tigers will look to use the familiar surroundings of playing at home to look to achieve their second victory over Warriors in less than a month.

Key Men To Watch

Harimau Muda: Kumaahran Sathasivam

The 19-year-old striker put on a fantastic display in the Young Tigers’ 2-0 win over Warriors the last time out and even got on the scoresheet.

He will be looking to repeat his heroics and will fancy his chances of causing major headaches for the shaky Warriors backline once more.

Warriors FC: Hafiz Rahim

The Warriors vice-captain was in imperious form in his side 4-2 demolition of Balestier, creating a goal and scoring another for his club.

With top scorer Nicolas Velez gone, Hafiz has had to share the load of scoring goals on top of being a playmaker.

If he can keep up his form, it will go a long way in helping Warriors retain their title this year.

Harimau Muda – LLWLL

12/09/15         Brunei DPMM 2-0 Harimau Muda (S.League)
27/08/15         Harimau Muda 0-1 Tampines Rovers (S.League)
23/08/15         Warriors FC 0-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)
19/08/15         Harimau Muda 0-1 Hougang United (S.League)
06/08/15         Home United 4-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)

Warriors FC – LLLDW

13/09/15         Warriors FC 4-2 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)
29/08/15         Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)
23/08/15         Warriors FC 0-2 Harimau Muda (S.League)
19/08/15         Brunei DPMM 3-1 Warriors FC (S.League)
15/08/15         Home United 2-0 Warriors FC (Singapore Cup)

Head To Head (S.League)

23/08/15         Warriors FC 0-2 Harimau Muda
05/03/15         Harimau Muda 1-3 Warriors FC
05/06/14         Harimau Muda 2-4 Warriors FC
12/03/14         Warriors FC 3-0 Harimau Muda
05/11/13         Warriors FC 1-1 Harimau Muda