Sleague Preview & Prediction

[CBreeze]

Harimau Muda vs Tanjong Pagar

(February 24, Monday, 8.45 pm, Pasir Gudang Stadium)

2013 RHB Singapore Cup finalist Tanjong Pagar United will travel to Pasir Gudang to take on Harimau Muda in their opening game of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League season. .

The Jaguars hugely improved under Patrick Vallee’s tutelage and finished sixth last year, and will be a force for Harimau Muda to reckon with.

Tanjong Pagar have retained marquee player Monsef Zerka and added several new faces to their squad this season.

With Aurelien Herisson, Anthony Aymard, Kamel Ramdani and Zerka staying put, midfielder Sebastien Etiemble replaces the outgoing Ismael Benahmed as he completes the foreign-quota roster at Queenstown. 

For Vallee, he is treading with caution as he believes the youthful Harimau Muda players will be eager to prove their worth and make their mark in the league.

“They are a young team and very energetic. It won’t be an easy game for us. This is just the first game and of course we will be looking for the win. But the season is long, a win in the first few matches does not mean you will be champions,” expressed Vallee

“I don’t really think about winning. If we focus on our performance and play as a team, I am sure we can win the match.”

The Jaguars will be without midfielders Ahmad Latiff who is out for another month after undergoing a double knee operation and Sazali Salleh who has yet to regain full fitness.

Even though the Young Tigers only finished above Courts Young Lions in the league last season, it will be hard to predict how they will perform this season with the wholesale changes made to the squad.

Twenty players have joined up with the squad, and they are untested in the S.League and will need to quickly adapt to the league as soon as possible.

While Harimau Muda have managed to retain the services of coach Razip Ismail, they have lost skipper Nashriq Yahya as well as starlets Maxsius Musa and Azzizan Nordin.

Prediction: Tanjong Pager 1x2
Funbets: 0-4/1-4/0-5

[CBreeze]

Harimau Muda vs Tanjong Pagar

(February 24, Monday, 8.45 pm, Pasir Gudang Stadium)

2013 RHB Singapore Cup finalist Tanjong Pagar United will travel to Pasir Gudang to take on Harimau Muda in their opening game of the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League season. .

The Jaguars hugely improved under Patrick Vallee’s tutelage and finished sixth last year, and will be a force for Harimau Muda to reckon with.

Tanjong Pagar have retained marquee player Monsef Zerka and added several new faces to their squad this season.

With Aurelien Herisson, Anthony Aymard, Kamel Ramdani and Zerka staying put, midfielder Sebastien Etiemble replaces the outgoing Ismael Benahmed as he completes the foreign-quota roster at Queenstown. 

For Vallee, he is treading with caution as he believes the youthful Harimau Muda players will be eager to prove their worth and make their mark in the league.

“They are a young team and very energetic. It won’t be an easy game for us. This is just the first game and of course we will be looking for the win. But the season is long, a win in the first few matches does not mean you will be champions,” expressed Vallee

“I don’t really think about winning. If we focus on our performance and play as a team, I am sure we can win the match.”

The Jaguars will be without midfielders Ahmad Latiff who is out for another month after undergoing a double knee operation and Sazali Salleh who has yet to regain full fitness.

Even though the Young Tigers only finished above Courts Young Lions in the league last season, it will be hard to predict how they will perform this season with the wholesale changes made to the squad.

Twenty players have joined up with the squad, and they are untested in the S.League and will need to quickly adapt to the league as soon as possible.

While Harimau Muda have managed to retain the services of coach Razip Ismail, they have lost skipper Nashriq Yahya as well as starlets Maxsius Musa and Azzizan Nordin.

Prediction: Tanjong Pager 1x2
Funbets: 0-4/1-4/0-5


Full-time: Young Tiger 1- Tanjong Pager 2.

:) :)

[CBreeze]

Warriors vs Harimau Muda

(March 12, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Warriors FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Harimau Muda at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Wednesday night. Alex Weaver’s side fell 2-0 to Brunei DPMM in their last game but they will be the favourites for this match against a Harimau Muda side still looking for their first points of the season

Warriors will welcome the return of Marin Vidosevic who was suspended for the DPMM encounter after collecting two yellow cards in their opening match against Geylang International.

However it will not be easy for the Warriors to claim a result against the Malaysian side.

Their midfield trio of Kevin McCann, Miroslav Pejic and Zulfadli Zainal may have had it easy against Geylang, but they seem uninspired and lacked the creativity to unlock defences in Brunei.

While chalking up a 54% of ball possession against DPMM, Warriors only managed to have nine shots in that match, the lowest of all teams in Round 2 of matches, and to make matters worse, none of the shots hit the target.

But as Albirex Niigata’s victory over Harimau showed, the Young Tigers are inexperienced and have a tendency to crumble in difficult situations. With a pressing game the Warriors might be able to find the breakthrough they desire.

Razip Ismail’s side only had 42% of ball possession against the Japanese outfit and five shots on target, with a 75% passing accuracy.

While the Malaysian side have yet to taste victory this season, they are not one to give in easily.

Harimau Muda’s players are known for their determination and spirited attitude even when they are trailing in a match. Having young and hungry players with the desire to do well within the mix, Harimau may find the motivation to pop up with a surprise win over the Warriors.

Key Men To Watch

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

The Croatian was the best performer for Warriors in their previous match against Brunei DPMM.

Pejic likes to lurk on the flank and catch the opponent off guard with his nifty footwork and precise cross into the box.

According to InStat index, Pejic made 100% successful dribbles and 75% of his attempted passes into the opponent box against the Bruneians.

The statistics suggest Pejic is capable of working his magic and fizzling his markers out into oblivion, and he should be a man Harimau Madu should do well to guard tightly.

Harimau Muda: Afiq Fazail

The midfielder is a central figure in shaping Harimau Muda’s spine as shown in their last two matches against Albirex and Tanjong Pagar. While they lost both matches, Afiq displayed a solid performance and the ability to penetrate the final third.

The 20-year-old had an impressive 84% passing accuracy, winning 67% of the battles in midfield and 80% of aerial challenges won in their previous match and this will serve him well in his bid to help Harimau Muda dominate the centre of the park.

Prediction: Warriors win

[CBreeze]

Hougang United vs Albirex Niigata (S)

(March 12, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Hougang United started their new campaign with a draw and a win, while title hopefuls Albirex Niigata (S) slumped to an opening day defeat to Brunei DPMM before bouncing back with an impressive 3-0 win over Harimau Muda.

It will be a keenly contested match in the middle of the park as both teams relies heavily on their midfielders.

For the Cheetahs, their good form evolves around their new signings Shunsuke Nakatake and Geison Moura. Both players have anchored Hougang’s midfield with tenacity thus far.

Nakatake has one of the most accurate passes in the league (80% against Woodlands Wellington) and executed 25 challenges, 20 of which are successful, in the same match.

At the back, coach Amin Nasir can rely on the towering Durica Zuparic and Igor Cerina to hold the fort, and both have formed a solid partnership, keeping out opponents from venturing further into the final third.

Cerina grabbed the first goal in their 2-1 win over Tanjong Pagar while Zuparic came close on several occasions from set-pieces. But Cerina and Zuparic might not have the luxury to join in the attack in this match as they will be kept busy by the White Swans attacking duo, Kazuki Sakamoto and Kento Nagasaki.

As for coach Tatsuyuki Okuyama, his attacks are usually concentrated around the creative Kosuke Matsuda and the speedy Keisuke Ota, the latter with a liking for trickery and nifty footworks on the right flank.

The Cheetahs will need to be wary of Okuyama’s passing game (542 passes and 80% accuracy against Harimau) and not leave any gap open for their opponent to exploit.

Albirex dominated their match against Harimau (58% ball possession), and had 11 shots on goal, the highest in Round 2 of matches. The White Swans also had 108 attacks in that match, mostly concentrated on the left flank (30 attacks) and the middle (38 attacks).

Key Man to Watch

Hougang United: Fadhil Salim

With an Instat Index score of 127, Fadhil was one of Hougang’s top performance against Tanjong Pagar. The goalkeeper was instrumental in keeping their opponents at bay with his top notch saves.

Fadhil’s distribution is also worth mentioning as 82% of his goal-kicks reaches its intended target and the shot-stopper is commanding when going up for the aerial balls during corner kicks and set-pieces.

Albirex Niigata (S) : Kazuki Sakamoto

The striker came out as the second best player in InStat Index for Round Two, with a score of 185 which included a 67% shooting accuracy against Harimau Muda

Sakamoto is not only a poacher but also constantly drops back to assist his team in gaining back possession from the opponents. He also loves to play one-touch-football with his midfielders to disorientate their markers in the process.

With an eye on goal as well as a tendency to try his luck from distance, expect Sakamoto to cause a few headaches to the Cheetahs’ defence.

Prediction: Hougang win

[CBreeze]

Warriors vs Harimau Muda

(March 12, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Choa Chu Kang Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Warriors FC will be looking to return to winning ways when they take on Harimau Muda at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium on Wednesday night. Alex Weaver’s side fell 2-0 to Brunei DPMM in their last game but they will be the favourites for this match against a Harimau Muda side still looking for their first points of the season

Warriors will welcome the return of Marin Vidosevic who was suspended for the DPMM encounter after collecting two yellow cards in their opening match against Geylang International.

However it will not be easy for the Warriors to claim a result against the Malaysian side.

Their midfield trio of Kevin McCann, Miroslav Pejic and Zulfadli Zainal may have had it easy against Geylang, but they seem uninspired and lacked the creativity to unlock defences in Brunei.

While chalking up a 54% of ball possession against DPMM, Warriors only managed to have nine shots in that match, the lowest of all teams in Round 2 of matches, and to make matters worse, none of the shots hit the target.

But as Albirex Niigata’s victory over Harimau showed, the Young Tigers are inexperienced and have a tendency to crumble in difficult situations. With a pressing game the Warriors might be able to find the breakthrough they desire.

Razip Ismail’s side only had 42% of ball possession against the Japanese outfit and five shots on target, with a 75% passing accuracy.

While the Malaysian side have yet to taste victory this season, they are not one to give in easily.

Harimau Muda’s players are known for their determination and spirited attitude even when they are trailing in a match. Having young and hungry players with the desire to do well within the mix, Harimau may find the motivation to pop up with a surprise win over the Warriors.

Key Men To Watch

Warriors FC: Miroslav Pejic

The Croatian was the best performer for Warriors in their previous match against Brunei DPMM.

Pejic likes to lurk on the flank and catch the opponent off guard with his nifty footwork and precise cross into the box.

According to InStat index, Pejic made 100% successful dribbles and 75% of his attempted passes into the opponent box against the Bruneians.

The statistics suggest Pejic is capable of working his magic and fizzling his markers out into oblivion, and he should be a man Harimau Madu should do well to guard tightly.

Harimau Muda: Afiq Fazail

The midfielder is a central figure in shaping Harimau Muda’s spine as shown in their last two matches against Albirex and Tanjong Pagar. While they lost both matches, Afiq displayed a solid performance and the ability to penetrate the final third.

The 20-year-old had an impressive 84% passing accuracy, winning 67% of the battles in midfield and 80% of aerial challenges won in their previous match and this will serve him well in his bid to help Harimau Muda dominate the centre of the park.

Prediction: Warriors win

Ft: Warriors 3-0

[CBreeze]

Hougang United vs Albirex Niigata (S)

(March 12, Wednesday, 7.30pm, Hougang Stadium)

Written by: Khalis Rifhan

Hougang United started their new campaign with a draw and a win, while title hopefuls Albirex Niigata (S) slumped to an opening day defeat to Brunei DPMM before bouncing back with an impressive 3-0 win over Harimau Muda.

It will be a keenly contested match in the middle of the park as both teams relies heavily on their midfielders.

For the Cheetahs, their good form evolves around their new signings Shunsuke Nakatake and Geison Moura. Both players have anchored Hougang’s midfield with tenacity thus far.

Nakatake has one of the most accurate passes in the league (80% against Woodlands Wellington) and executed 25 challenges, 20 of which are successful, in the same match.

At the back, coach Amin Nasir can rely on the towering Durica Zuparic and Igor Cerina to hold the fort, and both have formed a solid partnership, keeping out opponents from venturing further into the final third.

Cerina grabbed the first goal in their 2-1 win over Tanjong Pagar while Zuparic came close on several occasions from set-pieces. But Cerina and Zuparic might not have the luxury to join in the attack in this match as they will be kept busy by the White Swans attacking duo, Kazuki Sakamoto and Kento Nagasaki.

As for coach Tatsuyuki Okuyama, his attacks are usually concentrated around the creative Kosuke Matsuda and the speedy Keisuke Ota, the latter with a liking for trickery and nifty footworks on the right flank.

The Cheetahs will need to be wary of Okuyama’s passing game (542 passes and 80% accuracy against Harimau) and not leave any gap open for their opponent to exploit.

Albirex dominated their match against Harimau (58% ball possession), and had 11 shots on goal, the highest in Round 2 of matches. The White Swans also had 108 attacks in that match, mostly concentrated on the left flank (30 attacks) and the middle (38 attacks).

Key Man to Watch

Hougang United: Fadhil Salim

With an Instat Index score of 127, Fadhil was one of Hougang’s top performance against Tanjong Pagar. The goalkeeper was instrumental in keeping their opponents at bay with his top notch saves.

Fadhil’s distribution is also worth mentioning as 82% of his goal-kicks reaches its intended target and the shot-stopper is commanding when going up for the aerial balls during corner kicks and set-pieces.

Albirex Niigata (S) : Kazuki Sakamoto

The striker came out as the second best player in InStat Index for Round Two, with a score of 185 which included a 67% shooting accuracy against Harimau Muda

Sakamoto is not only a poacher but also constantly drops back to assist his team in gaining back possession from the opponents. He also loves to play one-touch-football with his midfielders to disorientate their markers in the process.

With an eye on goal as well as a tendency to try his luck from distance, expect Sakamoto to cause a few headaches to the Cheetahs’ defence.

Prediction: Hougang win

Ft: Hougang 3-1

[CBreeze]

Written by: Muhammad Yazid

Courts Young Lions will be hoping to put on a brave fight and go on the search for their first point in the Great Eastern Yeo's S.League campaign when they welcome an unbeaten Woodlands Wellington side at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Thursday .

Aide Iskandar’s side got their season off to a losing start as they suffered a 4-0 thrashing by Balestier Khalsa in the season opener.

Things then seemed to improve when they nearly snatched a point off reigning champions Tampines Rovers in the following game but the developmental squad were denied any as Miljan Mrdakovic struck late to seal the points for the Stags in a 3-2 win.     

Despite the defeat, certain statistics would have definitely pleased Aide. The Young Lions achieved 70% of accurate passes and pulled off a total of 12 shots against a star-studded Tampines side, according to InStats.

Darren Stewart’s side were rather fortunate to return home with a point against Hougang United in their opening game when they equalised twice to get back into the game in a 2-2 draw.

However, many will refer to Woodlands as the unlucky side when they were held by Balestier Khalsa in a 1-1 draw, especially when the Rams were displaying a fabulous show of football which was capped by Chang Jo Yoon’s wonderful curler.

InStats has also shown that the northern side had won 55% of their defensive challenges in the game against the Tigers, to demonstrate their defensive prowess.

With Moon Soon Ho and Chang sharing a goal each in the scoring charts, would the Korean duo pose much of a threat to the Young Lions defence and even grab a goal each?

Prediction: Young lion 1x2

[CBreeze]

With five goals scored after just two games played, Balestier Khalsa seem to be the most fluid team in attack and credit should go to marquee signing Goran Ljubojevic. The former Croatia Under-21 international has hit the back of the net in both games against the Courts Young Lions and Woodlands Wellington.

The Tigers got their season off to a winning start by thumping the Young Lions 4-0 but they struggled to maintain their form as they shared the spoils with Woodlands in a 1-1 draw in Round Two.

Despite being unable to attain maximum points from the two games, Marko Kraljevic’s charges have been spraying lots of smooth passes all around the pitch ever since the German-Croat’s introduction to the club.

According to InStats, the Tigers managed to complete 79% of their passes accurately in their most recent game against Woodlands.

Apart from that, they were also successful in winning 53% of ball-challenges.

Balestier will next lock horns with Tanjong Pagar United, who have similarly had a mixed start to their 2014 campaign. The Jaguars claimed a 2-1 win over Harimau Muda in their opening game but found themselves defeated by Hougang United in the following game by the same scoreline. 

Patrick Vallee’s side have also impressed fans with their positive statistics, as 63% of their dribbles and tackles were successful.

No matter how the match turns out, one thing can be promised – lots of goal-mouth action. With Monsef Zerka and Masrezwan Masturi leading the line for the Jaguars, the Tigers are expected to display their superiority in midfield with the likes of Park Kang Jin and Kim Min Ho supporting Ljubojevic upfront

Prediction: Balestia 1x2