S-League Preview Week 13
Home United v Courts Young Lions
Bishan Stadium, 7.45 pm
Photo courtesy of FAS
Playing their second game this week, the Courts Young Lions will face a Home United side still reeling from their loss against Chonburi FC on Tuesday in the AFC Cup competition, which left them facing the prospect of a sojourn to the Middle East for the next round.
The Young Lions are on a high after putting in good performances in their last two matches, holding Albirex to a 1-1 draw before beating Hougang 2-0 on Thursday. The team have certainly looked much better as compared to earlier on in the season, with coach Robin Chitrakar believing that it is due to the fact that the players have started to gel together.
Sherif El-Masri was the hero with a brace against the Cheetahs and he will likely have to play a prominent role here again if the visitors are to get anything out of this game. Faris Ramli has put in some excellent showings down the flanks recently as well, and will be one to look out for as well. Their pace and skill will trouble the Home defence, who have looked vulnerable all season.
The fatigue factor could work in favor of Home though, as ten of the players who started against Albirex were in the starting line-up on Thursday as well. The Protectors will have to pick themselves up following a rather insipid performance against the Thais and will not be helped out by the absence of defensive lynchpin Kenji Arai, who is scheduled to undergo a knee operation.
Frederic Mendy, the hat-trick hero against Woodlands, should shake off a knock to return to start. He will likely prove to be a handful for the Young Lions defence, while Indra Sahdan could feature too after scoring his first goal for the club against Chonburi since his return to Home.
Home last five games: LWWLW
Young Lions last five games: WWLDW
Prediction: Young Lions’ run to finally come to an end against a Home United side brimming with talent. 2-1 to the Bishan outfit.