Written by: Shawn Lim

Harimau Muda vs Albirex Niigata (S)

(Monday, 19 October, 8pm, Hang Jebat Stadium)

Albirex Niigata (S) coach Tatsuyuki Okuyama has called for his side to focus on their own performances as the White Swans make a last push to stay in the race for the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League title.

The White Swans have not picked up maximum points in their last four league games, and this has seen them eight points off the pace, although they do have a game in hand over league leaders Brunei DPMM.

Albirex will also come into this game in low spirits after a 1-0 defeat to title rivals Balestier Khalsa.

But Okuyama remained confident his team could land the title, provided they play to the best of their abilities in their final few games.

“As always, we still have seven games to play so we just have to do our best for each game and keep on going,” Okuyama said.

However, it will not be an easy game against their next foes, Harimau Muda.

The Young TIgers shrugged off a five-game winless run to beat Geylang International at home, and will be raring to do the same to Albirex.

Harimau will also gain confidence from their 1-0 win over Albirex in July, as they defeated the White Swans for the first time in the league.

Key Men To Watch

Harimau Muda: Faizat Ghazali

After marking his return to the Harimau starting line-up with a goal, Faizat will be eager to continue his run in front of goal.

Albirex will know better than to let him roam freely, especially since the young striker scored the winning goal for his team when they played the White Swans in July.

Albirex Niigata (S): Shotaro Ihata

Ihata was almost a non-factor in his last game, as he struggled to get into the swing of things. The White Swans paid dearly for his limp display, as they went down to the Tigers.

Ihata needs to find his scoring boots immediately if he wants Albirex to improve their offensive record, which is the worst in the league with only 19 goals netted.

Harimau Muda – LDDLW

16/10/15  Harimau Muda 2-0 Geylang International (S.League)

27/09/15  Harimau Muda 0-2 Balestier Khalsa (S.League)

22/09/15  Balestier Khalsa 0-0 Harimau Muda (S.League)

19/09/15  Harimau Muda 2-2 Warriors FC (S.League)

15/09/15  Tampines Rovers 5-1 Harimau Muda (S.League)

Albirex Niigata (S) – DDDWL

16/10/15   Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

02/10/15   Global FC 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (Singapore Cup)

16/09/15   Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Brunei DPMM (S.League)

28/08/15   Hougang United 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

20/08/15   Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Home United (S.League)

Head to Head (S.League)

30/07/15    Albirex Niigata (S) 0-1 Harimau Muda

03/04/15    Harimau Muda 0-1 Albirex Niigata (S)

23/05/14    Harimau Muda 1-4 Albirex Niigata (S)

27/02/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 3-0 Harimau Muda

07/05/13    Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Harimau Muda