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| Poster credit: Ian Su |
Venue: Hougang Stadium, 7.45pm kick-off
Tickets: $5.00 (Adult), $ 1.00 (Student)
LATEST: Door Gifts Available (While stocks last)
Free Entry for Students with Concession Pass
Two weeks without any football action from Hougang United since the 3-0 thumping of Courts Young Lions has had the Hougang Hools in a state of withdrawal; but nonetheless Saturday is approaching and we can't wait to get ourselves onto the terraces again and into the thick of action.
Geylang United's arrival at the Hougang Stadium or what fans affectionately call it as the "Cheetahs Den" is nothing short of a derby especially when both teams are equally pitted and have beaten each other in stunning fashion last season.
Last March, Geylang put 2 goals past Hougang in a space of 15 minuntes after the Eagles trailed by a goal down and the game ended 2-1 in favour of the Eagles; and then in June delivered a punishing 2-0 win against the Cheetahs.
But then Hougang United have had their moments of glory when in September the Cheetahs returned Geylang United the favour by scoring 2 goals after a goal behind. Hougang whilst playing with only 10 men and a penalty saved clawed a comeback in the dying 10 minutes to lay claim a famous 2-1 victory.
This time however, both teams find themselves in unfamiliar spots.
Geylang United are still grappling to find their feet after they loss 3-1 to S-league's Woodlands Wellington in their opening match. Goals from Hussein Akil, Goh Swee Swee and Moon Soon Ho elevated the Rams to 2nd place, just behind Albirex Niigata. And more recently, the Eagles were defeated by NFL side Admiralty FC in a 2-1 friendly game.
Hougang United on the other hand - a once perennial minnows of yesteryears are now relishing in 3rd place in the S-league after they drew Tanjong Pagar United 1-1 and collected 3 points from Courts Young Lions. Even Hougang Hools are perplexed at the club's new found glory.
But it's too early to conclude and we shall see how this Saturday's game unfolds.
Coach Nenad Bacina has said before that he does not exclude Prime League players from the starting eleven but now that the first team has shown a good run, we wonder if he would stick to the same formula as a fortnight ago or would he bring in some Cheetah cubs and showcase their talent?
Nevertheless, what we know is that the game plan stays the same for Hougang United - to attack and counter relentlessly giving opponents no breathing space.
A 4-3-3 formation this Saturday perhaps?
The striking trio of Diallo Mamadou, Sobrie Mazelan and winger Jordan Webb should come in handy in applying pressure on Geylang United's back four. The Canadian has since score 2 goals out of 2 matches.
We all witness the impact of what Diallo can do especially when he returned from suspension and gave Courts Young Lions a piercing run for their money. It is no wonder why, the fleet footed Guinean remains as one of the favourites among fans and dreaded amongst defenders
Striker Sobrie Mazelan must be enjoying his role as the goal poacher now that he has opened his account for the Cheetahs. It's an encourage sight to seeing this man live up to his potential and may he bag a few more against Geylang.
Center of the park - Ante Barac, Azhar Sairudin and Nurhil Jasni in the main engine. Ante Barac is definately and asset to Hougang United when it comes to set pieces. The Croat has been spot from the corner flag and has a fine reading of the game.
Wing back Faizal Amir, skipper Issac Lau, Syaqir Sulaiman & Vidakovic take centerstage in defence.
The backfour has had a promising start with some astute defending from Croation dude Vida. His height certainly plays the part in keep those high balls out of the danger zone with Syaqir providing cover.
Tight defending displayed in the last 2 games adds to the security that custodian Ng Jia Fa is well protected. A nimble lad and a brilliant shot stopper between the posts who has a clean sheet so far.
Interestingly, there seems to be a rumour circulating around Hougang United that they have signed a well known local player. I wonder who he is?
Only way to find out is to be there this Saturday. See you Folks! :)
Last Match
S-League
Friday 17 Feb 2012
Courts Young Lions 0 : 3 Hougang United
Jalan Besar Stadium
Hougang United - (Sobrie Mazelan 14', Jordan Webb 40', Stanislav Vidakovic 55')
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