Geylang International host Hougang United in the ninth matchday of 2017 S.League season at their new home venue - Jalan Besar Stadium - on Saturday.
The Eagles played their first match of the season at the venue last week against Albirex Niigata as Bedok Stadium's running track is undergoing renovation. Hasrin Jailani's side, despite losing the tie, will take heart from the way they stopped the defending champions from running riot as they managed to keep them down to one goal.
On the other hand, fifth-placed Hougang are heading into today's tie on the back of a solid 2-0 win over fourth-placed Warriors FC on the road last week.
After having a rough start to the season, the Cheetahs, who had suffered a three-match losing streak, are back on track with two wins on the trot. Having beaten Balestier Khalsa and Warriors in their last two outings, Aw's side is well-placed to make it three on the trot when they face the Eagles, whom they had beaten 2-0 in their early-season meeting.
A win today for the Cheetahs will help them cut down the lead over fourth-placed Warriors, who have five points more than them.
Focus will once again be on their leading scorer (four goals) Fumiya Kogure as the Japanese midfielder has been lifting the team with his performances in the recent past. However, the visitors will miss key midfielder Nazrul Nazari, who is out with suspension.
On the other hand, Geylang came up with an improved defensive performance against Albirex last Thursday, a week after they were routed 3-0 by Home United. While they will continue to miss defender Anders Aplin, the return of midfielder Stanley Ng will boost the side's chances. Having lost two on the trot, the Eagles have to make good use of today's to stay close to the top-four in the league table.
Team News
Geylang International
Possible XI: Buhari; Hameed, Ichikawa, Rahman; Teh, Ng, Sendra, Sulaiman; Samion, Coto, Quak Jun.
Hougang United
Possible XI: Khalid; Yusof, Shirota, Han Wei, Miswan; Afrin, Kwok, Kogure, Sairudin, Jasni; Viterale.
