Matchweek 12 of the Singapore Premier League promises more thrills and spills, featuring managerial changes and key battles that could shape the season. Here are five storylines to watch this week.
Geylang desperate to halt slump
Another week brought fresh concerns for Geylang International, who were comfortably dispatched 5-2 by Balestier Khalsa after surrendering an early lead.Defensive lapses once again proved costly as the Eagles conceded five goals, leaving them with just one win in their last six league matches. The slide has seen them drop to sixth in the standings after being overtaken by Hougang United.
A positive result against bottom-placed Young Lions is now crucial if Geylang are to steady their campaign and ease the pressure on head coach Noor Ali.
Geylang International vs Young Lions | 26 February | 8:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the Young Lions finally break their winless run?
The Young Lions remain in search of momentum, having avoided defeat just once in 11 matches this season. They have scored the fewest and conceded the most goals in the league — a combination that highlights the scale of the challenge ahead.
Their recent 2-0 defeat to Albirex Niigata (S) underlined those struggles, as they found it difficult to cope with sustained attacking pressure.
However, against a Geylang side also short on confidence, the Young Lions will see an opportunity to secure a morale-boosting result.
Cheetah-shaped challenge awaits the Stags
BG Tampines Rovers emerged from last week’s draw with Lion City Sailors still seven points off the summit — a gap that leaves little margin for further slip-ups. (include tamp coaching change)
The Stags now face an in-form Hougang United side that has quietly climbed to fourth in the table after a slow start to the season. With Victor Blasco, Jaushua Sotirio and Settawut Wongsai finding rhythm in attack, the Cheetahs present a stern test.
At the other end, Tampines’ defence — marshalled by Jacob Mahler and Shuya Yamashita — has shown resilience in recent outings. This fixture pits two sides with ambitions of consolidating their positions in the top half.
BG Tampines Rovers vs Hougang United | 27 February | 8:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
New era begins for the Sailors
There have been winds of change at the helm of the Sailors, who made a statement of intent on Monday, 23 February by securing the services of Spanish head coach Jesus Casas, marking one of the most high-profile appointments in the league’s history.
The 52-year-old arrives with significant pedigree, having led Iraq to a memorable 2-1 victory over tournament favourites Japan in the 2023 AFC Asian Cup in Qatar, before narrowly missing out on a quarter-final berth after conceding a lead to Jordan in stoppage time.
His immediate task will be to maintain the Sailors’ strong league form as they pursue back-to-back titles.,
A trip to third-placed Albirex Niigata (S) presents an early test of his credentials, with both sides firmly in the title conversation.
Albirex Niigata (S) vs Lion City Sailors | 28 February | 8:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Tigers targeting continued momentum
Balestier Khalsa will look to build on successive victories as they chase fourth place in the standings.
After a difficult run earlier in the campaign, the Tigers appear to have rediscovered their rhythm. Jakov Katusa continues to influence matches in the final third, while Bogdan Mandic and Tin Matic provide additional attacking threat. Midfielder Lazar Vujanic has also been instrumental with his energy and distribution.
They now face a Tanjong Pagar United side that has lost five of their last six matches, conceding 19 goals in that period. The Jaguars will be searching for defensive stability, while Balestier aim to extend their upward trajectory.
Tanjong Pagar United vs Balestier Khalsa | 1 March | 8:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
