S-league Preview I

Sat 12-Feb Courts Young Lions - Singapore Armed Forces (JBS) *
Mon 14-Feb Hougang United - Woodlands Wellington (HG)
Tue 15-Feb Balestier Khalsa - Home United (TPY)
Wed 16-Feb Albirex Niigata (S) - TPUFC (JE)
Thu 17-Feb Geylang United - Etoile FC (BDK)
Fri 18-Feb Gombak United -Tampines Rovers (JBS)

* Early kick off at 5 pm

CYL vs SAFFC
The Warriors are favourite but due to the fact this is a 5pm kickoff, I am not convinced any victory will be convincing as the weather recently have turned brutally warm. Yes, the Warriors have played friendly matches at such time slot but in those matches there is no need to go for the kill. Now it is a different matter and all eye will be on the new marksman Mislav Karogla. 1-0 to the Warriors 

Hougang United vs Woodlands Wellington
How times have changed. In years gone by, the Rams will be the favourite but now, they will be happy to walk away with a point from this encounter. The Cheetahs may have a good pre-season but it mean nothing if they do not win this first match of the season. 2-1 to the home side

Balestier Khalsa vs Home United
The Protectors will be under the microscope if they do not walk away from Toa Poyah with all 3 points. No excuse even if it is the first match of the season as the Tigers have been weakened considerably having lose their skipper and top scorer. The new players will need time to adjust as they are new to the league and country but no such problems for Home's players. 2-0 to Home United

Albirex Niigata (S) vs TPUFC 
The White Swans claimed they want the 2011 S-league title then it mean they must win matches and for the first match of the season, there is no better team to meet. If they cannot win this one then even fewer will believe their words about winning anything this season. 2-0 to the White Swans

Geylang United vs Etoile FC 
Eagles head coach Mike Wong say he will adopt a more attacking stance this season but hold your horses for who will be leading the attack. Drawing a blank, right. I rather believed my eyes when I see the Eagles bringing the ball into the opponent box as attacking football is hardly Mike Wong trademark. Until then, the champions should be favourite but as the team have yet to gel and is still adjusting to Singapore weather. A draw should suit both. 1-1 draw

Gombak United vs Tampines Rovers 
This is a match the Stags should win as the Bulls are now much weaker than a year ago. Until it can be proved their new Korean forward is indeed that good to replace Agu, I rather believed in Duric. He is still good enough to get goals against the likes of Bulls and that is good enough for me. 2-0 to the Charity Shield champions