Brunei DPMM FC vs Warriors FC

(Saturday, 27 February, 8.15pm, Bandar Seri Begawan)

Written by: Stanley Yeo

In Warriors opening game of the season against Home United, Emmeric Ong and Poh Yi Feng played a deep role in midfield and service often failed to reach lone striker, Jonathan Behe. Problems in keeping possession will be magnified when the Warriors take on Brunei DPMM this Sunday.

However, a bigger problem for the Warriors will be the lack of match rhythm after the game against Tampines Rovers was called off due to a waterlogged pitch.

The last time the Warriors logged in 90 minutes of game time was 13 days ago when they played Home United in the opening game of the season.

DPMM have problems of their own after experiencing a slow start to their season. Following a loss to Albirex Niigata (S) on opening day, 10-men Geylang International held the defending champions to a 1-1 draw.

Garnering a single point after two games was surely disappointing for the Wasps but head coach Steve Kean was confident of the upcoming fixture against the Warriors as he believes that it is a matter of time before last season’s topscorer Rafael Ramazotti is back to his best.

The former Blackburn Rovers head coach said,“ I don’t see the striker [Ramazotti] role just as a striker. He is focal point for us; he will give us goals if we give him service. He was the top-scorer in the league last year, he is a quality player.”

Key Men to Watch

Brunei DPMM: Rafael Ramazotti

After a dismal showing against Albirex Niigata (S), the Argentinian striker found the net with a timely tap-in the previous game against Geylang International.

If the Argentinian target man hits top form, it will spell trouble for Warriors backline as his big frame and goal-scoring ability will definitely lead to goals for the Bruneian outfit.

Warriors FC: Hafiz Nor

The pace of the 27-year-old winger will certainly be integral to Warriors’ counter-attacking style of play.

Furthermore, DPMM’s defence have been questionable when they play against speedy midfielders. Gabriel Quak was a constant menace for the Wasps last week as his surging runs caused all sorts of problems for DPMM.

In this aspect, if Hafiz can use his speed down the flank to create quality opportunities, DPMM’s defenders will be in for a long night.

Brunei DPMM – WLWLD

20/02/2016 Geylang International FC 1-1 Brunei DPMM

13/02/16  Albirex Niigata (S) 3-2 Brunei DPMM

27/11/15  Global FC 1-3 Brunei DPMM (Singapore Cup)

24/11/15  Home United 2-0 Brunei DPMM (Singapore Cup)

21/11/15  Brunei DPMM 4-0 Balestier Khalsa

Warriors FC – LDLLD

14/02/16 Home United 2-2 Warriors FC

20/11/15  Geylang International 6-0 Warriors FC

06/11/15  Warriors FC 1-3 Brunei DPMM

02/11/15  Tampines Rovers 0-0 Warriors FC

30/10/15  Warriors FC 1-2 Albirex Niigata (S)

26/10/15  Warriors FC 2-0 Hougang United

Head To Head (S.League)

06/11/15 Warriors FC 1-3 Brunei DPMM

19/08/15  Brunei DPMM 2-0 Warriors FC

24/04/15  Warriors FC 1 – 3 Brunei DPMM

07/10/14  Brunei DPMM 2 – 3 Warriors FC