S.League action resumes after the international break as holders Albirex Niigata host Brunei DPMM at the Jurong East Stadium on Friday.
Leaders Albirex have not lost a match yet in the ongoing tournament and are heading into the tie on the back of a six-game winning streak, which also includes a 8-0 decimation of Garena Young Lions on 26 May.
On the other hand, Brunei were crushed 9-3 in their last match before the international break at the Bishan Stadium.
While last season's treble winners Albirex have continued their impressive form in the new season, 2015 champions Brunei have struggled with only one win from nine matches, which includes seven defeats.
Steve Kean's men have been on a six-match winless streak as well, but the Scottish tactician reportedly believes his team are ready to make amends for what has been a woeful first part of the season.
A lot will bank on last season's top-scorer Rafael Ramazotti as Brunei look to rebuild their season. The Brazilian attacker has already scored five this season and would expect support from his teammates. It will be important for the likes of senior players of the likes of Billy Mehmet to step up as well if the Sultanate are going to challenge the top teams.
On the other hand, Albirex made use of the international break by playing quite a few friendlies, including their 1-0 win over Myanmar national team. League top-scorer Tsubaso Sano (15) and Kento Nagasaki, who scored against the White Angels, will look to continue their impressive form as Kazuaki Yoshinaga's men look to increase the lead at the top of the table.
Team News
Albirex Niigata
Possible XI: Akiyama, Tanaka, Inaba, Nakai, Kamata, Sano, Nagasaki, Sakamoto, Yanagi, Matoda, Nazawa
Brunei DPMM
Possible XI: Yussof; Kamis, Yunus, Savic; Zambin, Rahman, Saleh, Idris, Tarif; Ramazotti, Mehmet
