The Singapore Premier League (SPL) returns for another round of action, promising drama at both ends of the table, including a crucial title showdown between the league’s two leading sides. With plenty at stake, here are five storylines you should be watching this matchweek.
Battle for fourth heats up
The Tigers have the chance to leapfrog Geylang International into fourth spot as they host the Eagles at the Bishan Stadium to kick off the matchweek. Just two points separate the two sides, who have both struggled for form recently, having won only one of their last five games. Balestier head into the match with better momentum after notching a 3-1 win over the Young Lions in their previous outing, whereas the Eagles let a lead slip against Hougang United.
The Tigers will be relieved to have key man Jakov Katusa back among the goals, while Geylang’s struggles persist in front of goal, with only the Young Lions scoring fewer than the Eagles’ 12 goals this season. With the Tigers holding the edge in front of goal, they will be looking to press that advantage and turn it into a positive result on Friday.
Balestier Khalsa vs Geylang International | 20 February | 8:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the White Swans keep pace at the top?
While the title conversation has centered on BG Tampines Rovers and the Lion City Sailors, Albirex Niigata (S) is looking to stake their own claim as a serious contender. The White Swans sit just four points behind the Stags in second, though they remain 11 points adrift of the summit. Despite winning their first four games of the year, their title ambitions suffered a setback in a 2-1 defeat to BG Tampines in their previous fixture.
Albirex’s defence looked particularly exposed in that match, as they left gaps that were clinically exploited by the Stags, while the White Swans struggled to reply even after BG Tampines goalkeeper Syazwan Buhari was forced off with a serious injury. Should Albirex wish to remain in the title hunt, they cannot afford any further slip-ups.
Young Lions vs Albirex Niigata (S) | 21 February | 8:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Potential early title decider
Sunday sees the most anticipated fixture in the league take shape, as the top two go head-to-head at the Jalan Besar Stadium. While plenty of sparks have flown in previous encounters between the Stags and the Sailors over the last few seasons, the gulf between the two sides seems to be widening. While the Stags recorded a statement 4-1 win over the Sailors in last August’s Community Shield, that now feels like a distant memory, with the Stags currently seven points adrift in the SPL—albeit with a game in hand.
The reigning champions have won 10 consecutive games while conceding just four goals, and BG Tampines will need a shock result to propel themselves back into the title race. Despite winds of change at the helm with Interim Head Coach Robert Eziakor stepping in for the recently departed Noh Rahman, BG Tampines remain unfazed as they romped to a 3–1 victory over Vietnamese outfit Cong An Ha Noi to book their place in the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League Two. This will provide plenty of confidence for the Stags as they look to send a statement of intent in their title pursuit.
Lion City Sailors vs BG Tampines Rovers | 22 February | 8:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
New forward partnership breathes fresh life into Cheetahs
Though it’s only been three games into his SPL career, early signs suggest that new Cheetahs signing Jaushua Sotirio has already developed a strong understanding with Spanish winger Victor Blasco. While Blasco has notched three goals and two assists, Sotirio has hit the ground running, scoring twice in his first three matches. The former Asian Champions League winner brings proven pedigree to Hougang, having racked up over a century of appearances in the A-League.
That quality was on full display as the 30-year-old struck a stunning goal from outside the box in their 2-1 defeat to Albirex, before following up with a delightful individual effort against Geylang International in their recent win. Both forwards bring plenty of physicality, energy, and sharpness to the team. Should the duo maintain this form, expect Hougang to continue their ascent up the table.
Can the Jaguars’ new striker end their scoring woes?
Tanjong Pagar United appear to have found a replacement for the recently departed Youssef Ezzejjari, securing the services of Italian forward Junior Djile. The 24-year-old arrives from Maltese top-flight side Hamrun Spartans, having recently starred in a UEFA Champions League qualifying match against Dynamo Kyiv.
Djile may have looked isolated during his side’s 7-0 loss to the Lion City Sailors on debut, but it was evident he was still finding his footing with the team and adapting to the new conditions. But with the Jaguars sitting 7th and just three points above bottom-placed Young Lions, he may not have much time to settle, as fans will be hoping he can fire the club to a much-improved finish this season.
Hougang United vs Tanjong Pagar United | 23 February | 8:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
