RHB Singapore Cup Round of 8, Second leg
6th July 2012 (Friday)
Tampines Rovers vs Albirex Niigata (S)
Clementi Stadium, 7.45 pm
Having won their first leg at the Jurong East Stadium on Monday, Tampines Rovers will be looking to progress to the semi-finals of the RHB Singapore Cup on home soil. Tampines have a good record at the Clementi Stadium with 6 wins in 8 league matches and will be able to get through with just a draw.
A look at the two teams’ head to head records this season, Albirex Niigata (S) and Tampines Rovers are tied to one win each, with Albirex Niigata (S) looking to avenge last season’s heartbreak final loss to Home United, it is expected that they will go all out.
Albirex Niigata (S) will most likely start in a 4-3-3 formation, with Toshikazu Soya spearheading the attack, while Tampines Rovers may stick with their usual 3-4-3 formation with a strong line-up to boost their chances of reaching the semi-final. Fahrudin Mustafic is a probability, having injured himself during warm-up on Monday while Albirex coach Koichi Sugiyama has a full squad at his dispense.
This is a match not to be missed, with both teams having something to fight for. Albirex Niigata (S) would be hoping to lift the trophy this year, having narrowly missed out to Home United last season, and Tampines Rovers are looking to secure at least the double after a rather dismal showing at the AFC Cup this year.
Tampines Rovers FC last 5 games: WWWWW
Albirex Niigata (S) last 5 games: LWWWD
Prediction: Tampines Rovers should edge out in this encounter, with an exciting affair between the two sides. 2-1 to Tampines Rovers.