Five talking points ahead of Matchweek 7 of the Singapore Premier League
Matchweek 6 delivered everything fans could have hoped for as the Singapore Premier League (SPL) returned from its brief break – a feast of goals, dramatic comebacks and game-changing red cards. With momentum beginning to build, Matchweek 7 promises another compelling chapter, with derby drama and a crucial showdown on the other side of the table. Here are five questions to ponder ahead of Matchweek 7:
Can the Eagles surprise the Stags in the Eastern derby?
There will be little respite for Geylang International as they face the SPL’s top two sides in consecutive matchweeks. After a 3–0 home defeat to table-toppers Lion City Sailors last time out, Noor Ali will be demanding a response when his side returns to Our Tampines Hub for the fiercely contested Eastern derby against BG Tampines Rovers.
Derby matches often take on a life of their own, and Geylang will be hoping home support can help tilt the balance. Much will rest on the creativity of midfield talisman Vincent Bezecourt, while the return of Amy Recha adds a welcome boost in attack as the Eagles look to test a Stags backline that was largely untroubled in Matchweek 6.
Can BG Tampines close the gap at the top?
BG Tampines Rovers, meanwhile, arrive in buoyant mood after responding emphatically to Singapore Cup Final disappointment with a crushing 7–1 victory over the Young Lions. That result reaffirmed Noh Rahman’s side as genuine title contenders and underlined their attacking depth.
Four-goal hero from that match, Hide Higashikawa, will be eager to continue his fine goalscoring form, while Tampines’ fluid attacking combinations will pose a sterner challenge for Geylang than the numbers might suggest. Victory in the derby would see the Stags close the gap to within four points of the Sailors – at least until the league leaders are in action – keeping the pressure firmly on at the summit.
Geylang International vs BG Tampines Rovers | 23 January | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can anybody stop the Sailors’ title charge?
With six wins from six, Lion City Sailors have set the early-season pace and currently hold a seven-point advantage at the top of the table. While the campaign is still in its infancy, the consistency and authority of the Sailors’ performances have already marked them out as the team to beat.
Contributions from the likes of Lennart Thy, Anderson Lopes and Shawal Anuar have made them a relentless attacking force, and their defensive organisation has been equally impressive. Hougang United will need to be at their very best if they are to halt the Sailors’ momentum and prevent the leaders from potentially opening up an even more commanding advantage.
Hougang United vs Lion City Sailors | 24 January | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the Tigers shore up their defence?
Balestier Khalsa’s entertaining style of play has made them one of the league’s more watchable sides, but familiar defensive vulnerabilities proved costly once again in their 3–2 defeat to Hougang United. Despite racing into a two-goal lead through Bogdan Mandic and a Zharfan Rohaizad own goal, the Tigers were unable to protect their advantage.
Head Coach Marko Kraljevic will be keen to tighten things up at the back, with experienced defenders Madhu Mohana, Tajeli Selamat and Darren Teh expected to play key roles in containing an Albirex Niigata (S) side that has shown attacking promise in recent weeks.
Balestier Khalsa vs Albirex Niigata (S) | 25 January | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can Young Lions pick up their first points of the season?
Monday night football brings a crucial clash at the lower end of the table as Young Lions host Tanjong Pagar United at Jalan Besar Stadium. It will be the Young Lions’ first home match of the season at Jalan Besar, and fans will be hoping familiar surroundings can spark a turnaround in fortunes.
Still searching for their first point, Firdaus Kassim will be demanding a strong response following the heavy defeat to Tampines. The rescinding of Izwan Mahbud’s one-match ban following the red card against BG Tampines Rovers is a significant boost for a backline that has conceded a league-high 24 goals in six games. At the other end of the pitch, the onus will once again be on Brazilian duo Abner Vinicius and Sergio Mendonca to provide a cutting edge as the Young Lions look to finally get off the mark.
Young Lions vs Tanjong Pagar United | 26 January | 7:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
