Injuries to key Balestier players could work in Geylang's favour
GEYLANG INTERNATIONAL v BALESTIER KHALSA
(Tonight, 7.30pm, Bedok Stadium)
The form book strongly suggests an Eagles win tonight.
Geylang International have won four and drawn one in their last six games, while Balestier Khalsa have won just one of their last seven games.
The Tigers also face injury problems in their defence and front-line, with Zaiful Nizam doubtful after suffering a bruised forehead, grazed nose and dislocated finger in the 1-0 loss to Albirex last week.
Winger Fazli Ayob is also out with a hamstring injury.
Nizam has been key in keeping out the goals for the Tigers in a disappointing league campaign, while Fazli has been one of the few bright sparks with seven assists in the S.League.
While Niko Tokic and Miroslav Kristic have combined well after the former was signed pre-season, it still speaks volumes that right back Fadli Kamis is Balestier's joint topscorer in the league alongside Kristic with four goals.
Geylang will be buoyed by their first clean sheet in 14 league games after beating the Garena Young Lions 2-0 last week, but they may also have problems in attack with Filipino hitman Mark Hartmann rated 50-50 as he recovers from a knee injury.
I'm leaning towards the home team, who are still aiming for a top- three finish.
- Prediction: Take Geylang to win and Under 2.5 goals.
WARRIORS FC v GARENA YOUNG LIONS
(Tomorrow, 7.30pm, Choa Chua Kang Stadium)
Surely, one of the two most wretched runs of poor results has got to end.
Warriors FC are on a seven-game losing streak while the Young Lions have failed to win in their last eight.
With just five matches left, they should finish in the bottom three and both teams have every reason to feel disappointed about their season.
The last time they met, the Young Lions actually pulled off a 3-1 win, which should give them some confidence tomorrow night, although that was when the Warriors played without their first-choice goalkeeper Yazid Yasin.
Based on this season's form, I wouldn't back any of these teams to win a game but, if Khairul Amri continues to sit out for the Young Lions, I will have to go for the Warriors to take maximum points, especially as their 12-goal Jonathan Behe still has a chance to win the Golden Boot and has scored against all eight opponents in the S.League already.
- Prediction: Take Warriors on 1X2 and ½-Goal.
HOUGANG UNITED v BRUNEI DPMM FC
(Tomorrow, 7.45pm, Jalan Besar Stadium)
Hougang United are rediscovering the sort of form that saw them lead the pack in the first round of the S.League.
The Cheetahs fell into the bottom half after winning just one game in the second round but, after super wins against Home United (4-2) and Tampines Rovers (2-1), they are back within a shout of the top three and even a possible place in the AFC Cup if results in the league and RHB Singapore Cup fall in their favour.
But first, they have to get past Brunei DPMM, who have won seven of their last nine games.
Their top striker Rafael Ramazotti is also in scintillating form with 13 goals in his last 13 games in all competitions over the last three months.
While K Balagumaran's team have done well to put themselves in a position of strength, they have yet to keep a clean sheet in their last 16 games.
I see goals in this one, but it's going to be close.
- Prediction: Take Draw and Over 2.5 goals.
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