Hougang United vs Warriors FC

(June 8, Sunday, 7.30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Hougang United will be looking to avenge the loss against Warriors FC when the two met earlier in the season. But it won’t be an easy task for the Cheetahs as Alex Weaver’s charges are eager to keep pace with league leaders Brunei DPMM.

Both Hougang and Warriors were recently dumped out of the RHB Singapore Cup and they will now be fully focused on their league campaign. The two clubs have a similar attacking style of play, utilising both flanks and sending crosses to their frontmen.

Zulfadli Zainal (Warriors) and Firman Hanif (Hougang) will be back for selection after serving their suspensions in Round 14.

Zulfadli has been one of the key pillars at the back for his team and his habit of making overlapping runs down the length of the field and assisting the attack might be key once again.

It will be an interesting battle in the middle of the field between Kevin McCann and Cheetahs’ Shunsuke Nakatake. Both players hold the fort for their teams and acts as a shield before the opponents penetrate their defence.

All eyes will no doubt be on Nicholas Velez (Warriors) and Geison Moura (Hougang) as they will shoulder the goal-scoring responsibilities for their teams. At time of print, both strikers have nine goals to their name.

Key Men To Watch

Hougang United: Shunsuke Nakatake

The key battle in this game will be in midfield, whoever shackles the playmaker of the opposing team will mostly emerge from the game with a result.

Nakatake has the tenacity to close down opponents and take the ball away from them gracefully. He believes in simple passes and that allows his teammates to run freely in front of him to receive the ball with much success.

Nakatake can be counted upon to be the defensive general in midfield, and he will be one to watch for in this fixture.

Warriors FC: Suria Prakash

Much attention will be on the duo of Velez and Pejic, but Suria could turn out to be the main man in this match, provided he plays a part in it.

Despite being of tender age, the youngster has shown maturity in his performances thus far, and his movement on the wings might be able to unlock the Hougang defence.

If he is given a starting role again as he did against Harimau, Suria should be able to cause some damage with his directness and cutting back for Velez or Pejic to finish off.

Hougang United – WLDDW

05/06/14  Albirex Niigata (S) 0-1 Hougang United

26/5/14    Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 Hougang United (RHB Singapore Cup)

21/5/14    Hougang United 1-1 Tanjong Pagar United

15/5/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Hougang United

9/5/14      Hougang United 2-1 Balestier Khalsa

Warriors FC – WLWWD

05/06/14 Harimau Muda 2-4 Warriors

27/5/14    Warriors FC 1-3 Balestier Khalsa (RHB Singapore Cup)

22/5/14    Warriors FC 1-0 Brunei DPMM

16/5/14    Geylang International 0-1 Warriors FC

8/5/14      Tampines Rovers 3-3 Warriors FC

Head to Head (S.League)

20/3/14    Warriors FC 2-0 Hougang United

25/9/13    Warriors FC 1-1 Hougang United

22/8/13    Hougang United 1-2 Warriors FC

21/4/13    Warriors FC 4-2 Hougang United

29/9/12    Hougang United 2-2 Warriors FC

22/4/12    Warriors FC 1-0 Hougang United

19/10/11  Hougang United 1-3 Warriors FC

10/7/11    Warriors FC 0-1 Hougang United

15/4/11    Hougang United 1-2 Warriors FC