Brunei DPMM take on Hougang United in their third match of 2017 S.League season at Bandar Seri Begawan on Sunday.
The hosts, who finished third last season, have not begun the season well losing both the games they have played so far. They are heading into today's home game on the back of a crushing 2-0 defeat to defending champion Albirex Niigata. On the other hand, the Cheetahs are better placed with two wins from three games, their only defeat coming against Tampines Rovers last month.
Hougang have managed to do well even after letting go of their top-scorer Stipe Plazibat ahead of the new season. Import Fumiya Kogure has scored a goal in all of their matches and is looking set to lead the show for Philippe Aw's side this season. With the availability of their Lions' midfielders Anumanthan Kumar and Zulfahmi Arifin in doubt as the duo have just returned from international duty, a lot will depend on the Japanese striker to deliver the goods later today.
Aw's side have not beaten the Wasps in their last five meetings but with the hosts struggling to find form early in the season, it could well be the visitors' day. Hougang will also want to keep the pressure on leaders Albirex and a win today will take them to the second spot on the table.
Brunei though will be looking to continue their dominance over the Cheetahs and they will be hoping their new signing Zeljko Savic, who has replaced their injured marquee player Francois Marque, along with big names Rafael Ramazotti and Billy Mehmet will inspire the team and help them open their account this season.
Team News
Brunei
Possible XI: Petara, Saleh, Ali, Kamis, Azam, Tarif, Yussof, Mehmet, Ramazotti, Savic
Hougang
Possible XI: Hudzaifli, Shirota, Farhan, Sairudin, Nazari, Anumanthan, Arifin, Viterale, Khalid, Miswan, Kogure
