Match Day: Friday, 13th April 2012
Venue: Hougang Stadium, 7.45pm kick-off
Tickets: $5.00 (Adult), $ 1.00 (Student)
The Cheetahs are finally back home to play their home fixture against Albirex Niigata. They are finally back home eversince the 2-0 win against Geylang United on Matchday 2.
Since then, Hougang had picked up just four points from five games. From second place on Matchday 2, Hougang is now lying on sixth position with three wins, two draws and three defeats.
Hougang would look to bounce back from last Sunday's defeat, after being tipped as hot favourites against the resolute Gombak United. Hougang would be looking to tighten their defence, with the return of Stanislav Vidakovic. Vida, as he is known by the HOOLS, was sorely missed by the team, as defensive mistakes cost Hougang the valuable points.
Vidakovic's place would be confirmed at the heart of Hougang defence, alongside Hasree Zais. Syaqir Sulaiman will start his suspension, after being sent off against Gombak. Azhar Sairudin will still be missing, still serving his three game suspension.
This Friday's opponents, Albirex, are certainly no pushovers. An early run of three wins, and scoring twelve in their first three games saw Albirex as early season contenders. But like Hougang, Albirex had gone to a slump, having just a point in their last four games. Albirex are currently on seventh, just a point behind the Cheetahs, with a game in hand.
Hougang will be looking to contain the White Swans most potent attacker, Toshikazu Soya.Coming from FC Tokyo Verdy's Academy, Soya's fast runs and shot accuracy will trouble any defence in the league.
The Cheetahs and the White Swanshad the most closely fought games last season. They met six times - thrice in the League, a pulsating and hotly contested Singapore Cup tie, which needed extra time for Albirex to go through, and the Singapore League Cup Final, which was settled in penalties.
In the league last season, a Ratna Suffian goal settled the tie for Hougang during their first meeting at Hougang. Hougang then ended the White Swans quest for the title after a draw in the second meeting at Hougang.
Both teams would be looking to rack up the points to reignite their climp towards the S-League summit. The White Swans look strong on paper, however, Hougang will be most likely to use their home advantage to the fullest.
Come on Hougang! NO Surrender! (SOURCE)
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