Five talking points ahead of Matchweek 8 of the Singapore Premier League
Matchweek 7 saw a continuation of the trend of exciting clashes, as the first round of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) concluded. There were spectacular goals and big results across the board. With the league table starting to take shape, here are five talking points to mull over ahead of Matchweek 8:
Will the Young Lions kick on against the Cheetahs?
The Young Lions have endured a challenging start to the season, but managed to earn their maiden point in an end-to-end contest last time out. It was an encouraging display, and they will want to build on that progress when they face Hougang United. The Cheetahs have been inconsistent, only recording two wins thus far, one of which was against the Young Lions.
Firdaus Kassim’s side will view this clash as an opportunity to properly kick start their campaign, especially as Hougang are reeling from their 5-1 defeat against the Lion City Sailors last week. Three points at Bishan Stadium will bring them level with Tanjong Pagar United – at least for a day – and keep pace with the teams above them.
Hougang United vs Young Lions | 30 January | 7:30pm | Bishan Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the Stags maintain their charge on all fronts?
BG Tampines Rovers are the only Singapore Premier League team still battling in three competitions, reflecting their improvement under Head Coach Noh Rahman. However, they have already dropped points twice in the league, which hands the initiative to their rivals, Lion City Sailors. To keep the pressure on the league leaders, the Stags will be looking to earn maximum points against a struggling Tanjong Pagar United side.
It is not a foregone conclusion, especially after a gruelling defeat against Buriram United in the Shopee Cup on Wednesday, 28 January. BG Tampines will try to regroup against the Jaguars, who are well rested and raring to go after a draw against the Young Lions. Expect BG Tampines to go on the front foot from the first minute, in this intriguing clash that promises goals.
How will the Jaguars line up in attack?
Tanjong Pagar United will no doubt hope to put in a better performance on Saturday against one of the Singapore Premier League’s top sides, BG Tampines Rovers. The Jaguars left striker Youssef Ezzejjari on the bench as they toiled against the Young Lions, managing a solitary goal in a 1-1 draw on Monday, 26 January. In comparison, Tanjong Pagar found the net five times when they faced the Young Lions in September last year.
Youssef bagged four goals in a dominant display at the Jurong East Stadium, suggesting that goal-shy Tanjong Pagar may struggle if they decide to continue starting without their number 9. Emilio Estevez and Bruno Dybal were the attacking pair preferred against the Young Lions last week. And the question on Jaguars fans’ mind will surely be: who will lead the Jaguars line on Saturday?
BG Tampines Rovers vs Tanjong Pagar United | 31 January | 7:30pm | Our Tampines Hub | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the Tigers find their bite against the Sailors?
After a promising Singapore Cup campaign, Balestier Khalsa have started the new year in losing form. After a close encounter with Hougang United, the Tigers drew a blank against Albirex Niigata (S), with Madhu Mohana sent off in the first half.
Balestier will have to face the Sailors without their suspended captain, which leaves them with fewer options at the back. With defensive changes set to be made, the Tigers will have to rely on their forwards to have any chance against the league leaders, who have kept a league-high four clean sheets so far this season.
Lion City Sailors vs Balestier Khalsa | 1 February | 7:30pm | Jalan Besar Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
Can the White Swans keep up their title challenge?
Albirex Niigata (S) have enjoyed a decent start to their campaign, their only loss thus far coming against the Lion City Sailors. This has allowed them to stay within touching distance of the summit, helped by strong results along the way. A 4-0 battering of Balestier Khalsa led by the prolific Shingo Nakano has seen Albirex continue on an upward trajectory.
Standing in the way of another positive result is Geylang International, who were bruised after a 1-3 defeat to BG Tampines Rovers in the Eastern Derby. The Eagles are only three points behind Albirex, despite having an inferior goal difference. Their resistance will be led from the front, with Riku Fukashiro winning the most defensive duels (15) in the league thus far.
Albirex Niigata (S) vs Geylang International | 2 February | 7:30pm | Jurong East Stadium | Watch on YouTube or meWATCH
