Well it seems like the pundits are all banking on HUFC to shoot down the eagles (not sure whether easy or not) tonight. At times like this, I am always worried about the twist of fate that will hand victory over the the underdogs. Man U sucuumb to this which rendered them a nail biting stutter near the end of the season. While I have no doubt over HUFC ability to win the match, or even possibility the League and Cup this year, I urge our boys to stay focus and not sucuumb to complacency or underestimate our opponents. A bit pessimistic I know, like pouring cold water over team, but like the super overused line "Football is round", the season has only just started and we want to keep up the momentum till the end. Go Home U.
(article below from sleague.com)
"What makes the Protectors tough to defend against is the fact that the midfielders support the forwards as much as possible in attack."
Syahrom Sulaimaninfo@sleague.com
Geylang United will host league leaders Home United at the Bedok Stadium on Wednesday in a bid to revamp their stuttering league campaign. After a bright start to the campaign, the Eagles have collected only three points out of their last five matches – Geylang’s recent goalless draw against the Young Lions was their third successive point which they have collected since late April. The Eagles couldn’t have asked for a more challenging assignment than on Wednesday – they face an in-form Protectors side that is sitting pretty on top of the S.League standings. The Protectors will feel that this is a game for their taking. The Eagles have not yet kept a clean sheet at home and given the recent injury and illness to custodians Hassan Sunny and Fajar Sarib – Hassan injured his knee in the Young Lions game while Fajar is still feeling the effects of an upset stomach – defending against the Protectors will be tough.
What makes the Protectors tough to defend against is the fact that the midfielders support the forwards as much as possible in attack. Shi Jiayi and Shahril Ishak have contributed a total of eight goals between them in the S-League campaign thus far. Shahril can be described as an opportunistic player who knows how to be at the right place at the right time. Over the years, he has also improved on his finishing ability and since he ghosts in from midfield, it will be tough for the Geylang players to keep an eye on him. Shi Jiayi, on the other hand, is a force to be reckoned with when it comes to long-range shooting. Faced with a Home United lineup that is packed with offensive talent, Eagles coach Lim Tong Hai might just have to speed up Hassan’s recovery process in order for him to feature in goal. As for defence, the Eagles’ Jonathan Xu may have the height and upper body strength to compete with the strapping figure of Qiu Li. However, he still lacks the experience needed at this level – Aide Iskandar will definitely provide the necessary composure and leadership at the back against his former team. The good news is that Syed Thaha will be available for selection after he served a two-match suspension in the games against Woodlands Wellington and the Young Lions. The Eagles sorely missed his speed down the wings and should he be able to pick up where he left off, he might give right-back Rosman Sulaiman plenty to think about throughout the whole game. Shahril Alias will also return from his one-game suspension but it remains to be seen whether he will feature in the starting lineup for this game. Protectors coach Vincent has employed a 3-5-2 formation which worked wonderfully in the 2-0 win against SAFFC. The three defenders he used in the centre were Rosman Sulaiman, Ivorian Diakite Fode Bangaly and S Subramani. The trio played well together in the game and that should give Vincent some options ahead of the clash at the Bedok Stadium. Coach Lim Tong Hai, however, will have to ponder on the best option that he can use to stifle the Protectors’ offensive threats.
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