The Singapore Premier League (SPL) returns for another round of thrilling action, with plenty at stake across the board in Matchweek 9. From clashes between teams at both ends of the table to sides looking to build on their momentum, here are five talking points to keep an eye out for in this round of fixtures.
Can goal-shy Eagles find their scoring boots?
Playing the Singapore Premier League’s top three sides was always going to be a tough assignment for Geylang International, and it showed as they suffered consecutive league defeats for the first time since 2023. However, concerns are beginning to grow beyond those results. The Eagles have now won just one of their last seven matches in all competitions, having been knocked out of the Singapore Cup and sitting only a point above Hougang United in the SPL standings.
The Eagles’ only win within that period came against their upcoming opponents, Tanjong Pagar United. Goals have been a clear issue within their ranks, with only bottom-placed Young Lions scoring fewer than Geylang’s eight goals. That struggle is reflected in their main attacking focal point, Shuhei Hoshino, who has scored just once in eight league appearances this season, with his only goal coming against Young Lions. With a run of more manageable fixtures to come, all eyes will be on whether Geylang can rediscover their form.
Is now finally the time for Tanjong Pagar to shine?
While the new year has yet to bring positive results for Tanjong Pagar United, the team has shown signs of a strong fighting spirit on the pitch. The Jaguars pushed BG Tampines Rovers and Albirex Niigata (S) to the very end in their previous two games, losing by only a single goal, and were unfortunate to settle for just a draw against Young Lions. However, the recent departure of main forward Youssef Ezzajjari to East Bengal FC has significantly depleted their attacking options.
Whether the club has someone lined up to take his place remains to be seen, but Tanjong Pagar has already experimented with different attacking partnerships up front involving Bruno Dybal, Sahil Suhaimi, and Emilio Estevez. With Geylang International appearing a shadow of their usual selves this season, it could present the perfect opportunity for the Jaguars to snatch some crucial points.
Tanjong Pagar United vs Geylang International | 6 February | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the Tigers take advantage of a fatigued Stags side?
It’s been a difficult start to 2026 for BG Tampines Rovers, who, after surrendering the Singapore Cup final to the Lion City Sailors, are now seeing their ASEAN Club Championship (ACC) hopes fade after suffering back-to-back defeats against strong opposition. A 4-1 home defeat to Buriram United was followed by a damaging trashing away at Cong An Hanoi FC – where the Stags were simply overwhelmed by their opponents.
Having to play a league fixture less than 72 hours after an away game is never easy, and Balestier Khalsa will look to exploit this physical and mental fatigue on Saturday. The Tigers had already thrown a spanner in the Stags’ works this season, coming from behind to snatch a point in a 3-3 draw back in October 2025. With Balestier themselves looking to end a run of three straight league defeats, this is poised to be a feisty affair.
Balestier Khalsa vs BG Tampines Rovers | 7 February | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Will a fully-focused Sailors outfit cement their position at the top of the SPL?
After being eliminated from both their regional and continental competitions, the Lion City Sailors will look to go full throttle in the domestic league to secure yet another title. They currently sit comfortably atop the table, having won all eight of their opening league games, scoring 35 goals while conceding just four. While it may still be early in the season, it seems only a matter of time before they secure the title, with no team able to match their juggernaut-like performance so far.
In contrast, Young Lions are struggling at the other end of the table, still searching for their first win. With the Sailors free of all distractions, they are firmly poised to dominate the remaining league fixtures, making it an uphill test for the rest of the teams to keep pace.
Young Lions vs Lion City Sailors | 8 February | 7:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Resurgent sides lock horns
Hougang United and Albirex Niigata (S) both finished 2025 on a rough note, but appear to be regaining form. The White Swans’ title hopes took a hit after a comprehensive defeat to the Lion City Sailors and a draw with the Cheetahs before the league break, although they have since bounced back with three consecutive wins.
Hougang also got off to a slow start, claiming just one victory in their first five games, but have found better form recently after winning two of their last three outings.
If results go their way, the Cheetahs could climb into the top half of the table by the end of the week – a stark contrast to their early-season struggles – while Albirex could potentially leapfrog the second-placed BG Tampines Rovers, thus adding extra significance to this fixture.
Albirex Niigata (S) vs Hougang United | 9 February | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
