Brunei DPMM vs Balestier Khalsa

(16 October, Monday, 8.15pm, Bandar Seri Begawan)

Written by: Phoon Jia Hui

Balestier Khalsa head coach Marko Kraljevic has expressed optimism ahead of their Great Eastern-Hyundai S.League encounter against Brunei DPMM in Bandar Seri Begawan on Monday night.

The Tigers currently lie in seventh spot with 13 points in 20 games, which is two points more than DPMM who have played a game fewer.

“Brunei is always a tough place to go and especially more so when they have won their last two home games so their morale is naturally very good,” said Kraljevic, whose side notched their third victory of the season with a narrow 1-0 win over Garena Young Lions almost a month ago.

“We have to be prepared for a tough game. We will be without the suspended Raihan (Rahman) but the rest of my players are available and we will try to get at least a point, with a win being a bonus.

“It’s very important we get a result here because we face two tough games against Home United and Albirex Niigata (S). Every game is tough and there’s no easy game so we have to be ready for it.”

A victory here will see Balestier pull five points clear of DPMM to strengthen their stranglehold on seventh and Kraljevic is hopeful of a good showing against the 2015 S.League champions

“If we can keep a good distance from them in the table, it will be a good thing,” he said.

“It is not going to be easy but we have been playing quite well in our last few games so I believe we can give them a good fight. One month ago we were 2-0 up then finish 2-2, think can give them good fight

While they fell 3-0 to DPMM in The New Paper League Cup, Balestier are still unbeaten against DPMM in the S.League this season with one win and one draw.

“The unbeaten streak definitely gives us confidence as we had played very well in those two games,” he said.

“But we are now going away to Brunei and it’s going to be a different environment. We will have to see how the boys react but I believe they should do fine.

“We have to also keep an eye on Rafael Ramazotti especially in the box where he is most dangerous. If we are able to do so, I believe half the battle is won. He’s the main main in their team and is a quality player who can cause damage,” added the Tigers head coach.

Kraljevic meanwhile, is likely to keep faith with Hazzuwan Halim as the lone forward and the Croatian has been pleased with what he has seen from the starlet.

“We have been struggling upfront without a recognised striker but Hazzuwan has stepped up and improved a lot on his game,” he said of the 23-year-old.

“He has been giving opponents a lot of problems with his pace and the fact that he’s also good on the ball. Hopefully he can do his job this game and help us get something.”

DPMM on the other hand, are brimming with confidence after stringing two straight wins in the S.League with their most recent one coming in a 7-1 triumph over Garena Young Lions.

Ramazotti’s return from injury has been a factor in their mini revival of sorts and Steve Kean will he hoping the Brazilian will continue to fire on all cylinders as they aim to finish the season on a high.

Kean will however have to make do without Chilean defender Vincent Salas after the mid-season signing picked up his fourth yellow card against the Young Lions.

Suspensions: Vincent Salas (Brunei DPMM); Raihan Rahman (Balestier Khalsa)

Brunei DPMM – LLLWW

07/10/17 Brunei DPMM 7-1 Garena Young Lions

23/09/17 Hougang United 1-2 Brunei DPMM

19/09/17 Brunei DPMM 1-4 Hougang United

16/09/17 Brunei DPMM 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

08/09/17 Brunei DPMM 1-4 Home United

Balestier Khalsa – DDLLW

20/09/17 Garena Young Lions 0-1 Balestier Khalsa

17/09/17 Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Tampines Rovers

09/09/17 Geylang International 2-0 Balestier Khalsa

21/08/17 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Brunei DPMM

17/08/17 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Warriors FC

Head to Head (S.League)

21/08/17 Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Brunei DPMM

07/04/17 Balestier Khalsa 2-1 Brunei DPMM

26/10/16 Balestier Khalsa 2-0 Brunei DPMM

24/06/16 Balestier Khalsa 1-4 Brunei DPMM

15/04/16 Brunei DPMM 3-1 Balestier Khalsa