Tampines Rovers vs Balestier Khalsa

(April 13, Sunday, 7.30pm, Clementi Stadium)

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Tampines Rovers dropped points for the first time this season after five games, following the 4-2 loss to Hougang United and they will be looking to get back to winning ways as they welcome Balestier Khalsa on Sunday.

Tampines will once again look to Miljan Mrdakovic for the goals but they will have to keep things tight at the back with Balestier’s own marquee signing Goran Ljubojevic being capable of causing damage from anywhere.

The Stags will not have it easy against title aspirants Balestier, with their last match against Warriors FC being the best example why.

Having lost three players after Yusiskandar Yusop, Kim Min Ho and Ridwan Jamil all saw red, Balestier displayed a strong mental strength to hold Warriors in a pulsating 2-2 draw at Jalan Besar Stadium, pulling level after goals from Ljubojevic and skipper Paul Cunningham.

Balestier’s strength in set-pieces will also come in handy against a shaky Tampines defence which has already leaked in five goals this season. The Tigers will be welcoming back Kim and Ridwan, while Yusiskandar remains out of action as he serves his second match suspension.

This game promises much end-to-end actions, as both teams have been displaying fluidity in their respective attacks so far this season.

Key Men To Watch

Tampines Rovers: Aleksandar Duric

43 years of age and he is still scoring. The former national skipper has three to his name in the S.League, and is no stranger even when it comes to scoring in the AFC cup.

Whether it be scoring or to creating opportunities, Duric has been competent in doing them both.

Balestier Khalsa: Emir Lotinac

Plying his trade in the middle of the park, the Serbian was outstanding against Home United, as he was constantly covering all areas of the pitch. From switching play to changing the pace of the game, Emir was efficient enough to earn praises from his gaffer, Marko Kraljevic.

It seems like the natural defender has found a new position for himself and Marko admits that a ‘selection headache’ awaits him after the return of Park Kang Jin. Whether or not he is deployed in midfield or at the back with skipper Paul Cunningham, he can be trusted in delivering a good performance.

Tampines Rovers – LLWWW

8/4/14      Kitchee SC 4-0 Tampines Rovers

5/4/14      Hougang United 4-2 Tampines Rovers

1/4/14      Pune FC 2-5 Tampines Rovers (AFC Cup)

27/3/14    Tampines Rovers 3-2 Harimau Muda

23/3/14    Brunei DPMM 1-2 Tampines Rovers

Balestier Khalsa – LDLWD

5/4/14      Home United 2-1 Balestier Khalsa

28/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Warriors FC

21/3/14    Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Balestier Khalsa

13/3/14    Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Tanjong Pagar United

28/2/14    Woodlands Wellington 1-1 Balestier Khalsa

Head to Head (S.League)

24/9/13    Balestier Khalsa 0-0 Tampines Rovers

25/5/13    Balestier Khalsa 4-0 Tampines Rovers

17/3/13    Tampines Rovers 2-1 Balestier Khalsa

23/6/12    Tampines Rovers 3-1 Balestier Khalsa

16/2/12    Balestier Khalsa 1-0 Tampines Rovers

27/11/11   Tampines Rovers 5-0 Balestier Khalsa

6/8/11       Balestier Khalsa 0-1 Tampines Rovers

30/4/11     Tampines Rovers 5-0 Balestier Khalsa