Written by: Eric Teo, Hougang Hools
Hougang’s hopes of getting their second win of the season, were dashed out when they
slumped to a 3-1 home loss at the hands of the impressive Balestier Khalsa.
League table-toppers Tampines will aim to pile on the agony for Johana Johari’s men
when the two sides clash at the Clementi Stadium on Saturday.
The home side, who have a perfect 6 win out of 6 records in the league, should travel
to the Clementi Stadium in good spirits, despite having just lost 2-1 to Indian side,
East Bengal in the continental AFC Cup 3 days before.
The away side however head into the contest on a low achieving just 1 win out of a
possible 7.
The Cheetahs had a good record in recent seasons, with the Stags failing to win the Cheetahs in the league in four meetings, the last being in 2011, when Tampines humbled Hougang at the Tampines Stadium 3-1. Since then, the Cheetahs won once and drew four times with the defending champions.
Men to Watch Out For:
Shaiful Esah (Tampines Rovers)
The 26 year old left-back has been an everpresent force for the boys in yellow ever since
his arrival from LionsXII. His dangerous set-pieces will be a worry for the
leaky Hougang United backline who have let in a total of 12 goals this season.
Liam Shotton (Hougang United)
Our lanky Englishmen has been on a good run of form as of late, netting 3 goals in as
many games. Known widely as the elder brother of Stoke City defender Ryan Shotton,
the 25 year old will definitely provide the extra oomph and height in the attack
for the team from the North East.
Will underdogs Hougang be able to pull off a “David and Goliath”? Or will high-flying
Tampines Rovers add on to the misery of Hougang United?
This will definitely be a cracking game between two top sides.
