Home United face a trip to Manila's Rizal Memorial Stadium to take on Philippines' Global FC in the inaugural zonal semi-final first leg of 2017 AFC Cup on Tuesday.
The Protectors became the only Singapore side to progress to the knockout stage of the tournament after they finished on top of Group H with three wins from four games. On the other hand, Global, in only their second AFC Cup appearance, finished as Group F leaders, above 2015 winners Johor Darul Ta'zim.
Home are heading into the game on the back of a league defeat, which was also the first of their season, to Tampines Rovers on Friday. Also, coach Aidil Sharin will be wary of Global's home perfect record at home this season, which includes a 3-2 win over Malaysian giants JDT.
The Filipino side's goal-scoring form at home in the competition is also not a good news to the visitors, who will be heading into the tie with a depleted backline due to unavailability of key players. While Sirina Camara will be out following a two-match suspension, Irfan Fandi is not available due to commitments with the national team and Juma'at Jantan is doubtful after the veteran picked up a knock during the Tampines' game.
However, the Singapore side will be boosted by the return of their in-form hitman Stipe Plazibat, who has set the season on fire with 18 goals in 12 games, including four in AFC Cup.
On the other hand, Global will have to put behind the sudden departure of their coach Toshiaki Imai and focus on the job in hand with their interim coach Marjo Allado. The People's club will also miss influential defender Wesley Dos Santos and their backline faces the daunting task of stopping Plazibat and Co.
Team News
Global
Possible XI: Deyto; Barbaso, Aguinaldo, Villareal, Hartmann; Sasaki, Villanueva, Mulders, Minegishi, Agustien; Roberts
Home
Possible XI: Sunny; Jantan, Qaiyyim, Yunos, Sharif; Swandi, Song, Ramli, Abdullah, Van Huizen; Plazibat
