Written By: Kenneth Ho

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Geylang International

(Monday, 26 October, 7.30pm, Jurong East Stadium)

An intriguing match should ensue when Geylang International meet Albirex Niigata (S) for the fourth time this season.

Both teams have played each other twice in the league and once in The New Paper Cup, with Albirex emerging triumphant each time.

However, an upset could well be on the cards this time, with Albirex struggling to find form just as the title race approaches its end.

In their last five league games, Albirex have not managed to earn a single win and now are 13 points away from league leaders Brunei DPMM, although they do have two games in hand.

While the Eagles will dream of earning a win to lift themselves off the bottom of the league table, a draw might be a more attainable target given their own form.

As if coming into the game on the back of a loss is not bad enough, Geylang will be doing so after a 4-1 trouncing by Tampines Rovers. The squad should be relatively short on confidence at this stage, and this could affect their performance.

A draw should not be beyond Geylang’s reach though. Just five games back, Geylang held defending champions Warriors FC to a 1-1 draw and followed it up with a 2-2 draw with Balestier Khalsa.

Key Men To Watch

Geylang International: Jozef Kaplan

When the going is tough, every team needs a captain to step up and ensure the team holds together.

Geylang’s captain Kaplan has always managed that somehow, and he might just do it again to help his struggling team gain back some confidence.

Albirex Niigata (S): Kento Nagasaki

With this Albirex team comprising mainly youth players, it’s no wonder they are unable to maintain consistency in their bid for the title.

A veteran in the S.League, Nagasaki has been involved in plenty of title races before and his experience will prove vital in helping the White Swans get their title aspirations back on track. If he does feature in this game, expect Nagasaki to lead by example and guide the youngsters on how to keep their head in the game.

Albirex Niigata (S) – DDWLD

19/10/15   Harimau Muda 1-1 Albirex Niigata (S) (S.League)

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)

Geylang International – DDWLL

20/10/15  Geylang International 1-4 Tampines Rovers (S.League)

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

04/10/15  Courts Young Lions 2-3 Geylang International (S.League)

18/09/15  Balestier Khalsa 2-2 Geylang International (S.League)

29/08/15  Warriors FC 1-1 Geylang International (S.League)

Head To Head (S.League)

02/08/15 Geylang International 0-2 Albirex Niigata (S)

08/04/15 Albirex Niigata (S) 1-0 Geylang International

28/08/14 Geylang International 3-4 Albirex Niigata (S)

08/05/14 Albirex Niigata (S) 4-2 Geylang International

03/08/13 Albirex Niigata (S) 0-0 Geylang International