S-league Preview IX

S-league Preview VIII - 2 right and 4 wrong

Mon 11-Apr Albirex Niigata (S) - Gombak United (JES)
Tue 12-Apr TPUFC - Balestier Khalsa (CMT)
Wed 13-Apr Woodlands Wellington - Geylang United (WLD)
Thu 14-Apr Home United - Etoile FC (BSN)
Fri 15-Apr Hougang United - SAFFC (JBS)
Sun 17-Apr Tampines Rovers - Courts Young Lions (TMP)

Albirex Niigata (S) vs Gombak United
The White Swans have done well and deserved to be where they are at fifth spot. They can now cement that with a win after Gombak United who are just one place behind them. It is achievable as the Bulls are not an adventurous side so one goal should do it but what is the Bulls weakness is also their strength as they are a difficult side to break down. The White Swans have to score first or face a situation where the Bulls will be happy to leave Jurong East with a point. 0-0 draw        

TPUFC vs Balestier Khalsa 
It is unimaginable the Tigers will not be walking away from Clementi with all 3 points. I am not looking down on the Jaguars but the inexperienced squad they have is unlikely to post a threat against the Tigers. And while the Tigers are not a scoring machine with an average of less than a goal per game, they can surely hit a goal against the Jaguars; who cannot keep clean sheet against more experienced foes. 1-0 to the Tigers 

Woodlands Wellington - Geylang United
The Eagles have to win this one. No excuse as the Rams have only won their solitary point this season against fellow strugglers, Tanjong Pagar, and the Eagles are nowhere as bad as the Jaguars side. That is why anything less than 3 points is a failure. 2-1 to the Eagles.

Home United vs Etoile FC
The two losers in last week battle of the Top 4. They now have the chance to redeem themselves and frankly the Protectors are on the weaker hand as Qiu Li could still be injured. Without the Singapore forward, the Protectors have looked weaker and their coach have responded by being negative with his tactics as he has refused to go all out in their tougher matches. Indeed the Protectors have now dropped points against both of their fellow contenders and Paul Lee should know it could cost the Protectors at the end as every point dropped is a point gained by his fellow challengers. He cannot afford to keep his team in check as Etoile FC could be the next in line to gain from that. 2-2 draw 

Hougang United vs SAFFC
I can only see one side walking away from Jalan Besar with the 3 points and it must be the Warriors. While the Warriors are not yet at full-throttle in their matches yet they are showing signs of their battling strength as they defeated bodge side Gombak United at Jurong West and then send their Derby rival Home United crashing to first defeat in 25 matches. This is commendable as their top forward Mislav Karoglan is suspended. So with him back, and who know Richard Bok may not change a winning side, the Warriors are slowly getting into championship mode as they looked to have the strength to go on a winning run. 3-0 to the Warriors  

Tampines Rovers vs Courts Young Lions
Will Tampines Rovers come back from the AFC Cup campaign tired? Likely but they should not need to be at full strength to take on the Cubs as their overall strength is far superior. Also the match against the Rams should have taught the Stags not to be overconfident as they nearly slip up against the Northern side before 3 goals in the second half saw them make a comeback. That is why I believe the Stags will win this one to stay top of the table. 2-0 to the Stags