Tampines Rovers host group leaders Ceres Negros in their final AFC Cup 2017 Group G match at Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday.
The hosts, who are placed third in the group table with six points - two adrift leaders Ceres and second-placed Hanoi FC - need nothing less than a win tomorrow, in addition to Felda United beating Hanoi in the other group game, to keep their chances of making the Asean semi-final alive.
On the other hand, Ceres, who are coming into the match on the back of a 6-2 win over Hanoi, will join Home United in the zonal semi-final if they manage to collect another three points tomorrow.
Tampines were crushed 5-0 in their early-season meeting with the Filipino side at the Panaad Stadium in March. However, with a settled line-up, which has remained unbeaten in their last four games in all competitions, the Stags are better placed to exact revenge from Ceres.
With skipper Madhu Mohana returning from a hamstring injury and star striker Khairul Amri available after facing a suspension in their 1-0 league win over Brunei DPMM on Friday, Juergen Raab's men are hoping for a positive result at home.
Striker Amri and Ivan Dzoni have been in good form recently for the Stags and the onus will be on the duo to get the job done tomorrow. However, injury to first-choice goalkeeper Izwan Mahbud is a cause of concern for the hosts, who have to contain Ceres from running riot again.
Ceres coach Risto Vidakovic though expects a tougher challenge on the road against the Tampines. Notably, The Filipino side have not won a game away in the ongoing competition and were beaten 3-0 by Felda in Shah Alam last month.
With three teams eyeing the group top-spot, there will be pressure on both Ceres and Tampines, but the S.League side, bolstered by home crowd, will be looking to make best use of their last chance.
TV Schedule
Cambodia: Fox Sports
Malaysia: Fox Sports
Myanmar: Fox Sports
Philippines: Fox Sports
Vietnam: Fox Sports
Team News
Tampines
Possible XI: Sim; Hamzah, Bennett, Mustafic, Madhu, Taha; Sandhu, Son, Megumi; Dzoni, Amri
Ceres
Possible XI: Muller; Christiaens, Super, Woodland, Munoz; Ott, Ingresso, Ramsay, Bienve, Porteria; Rodriguez
