Match Preview: Chance for Eagles to Soar to Second in Eastern Derby

Photo credit: Geylang International FC

The fiercely contested Eastern derby between Geylang International and Tampines Rovers this Tuesday (October 29) - like the 87 editions that came before it - is likely to deliver an entertaining spectacle for fans and neutrals alike, with both teams eager to stamp their regional pride in this storied rivalry.

"Derbies are always a great match to watch. A lot of excitement!" exclaims Jeff Salleh, who is often seen cheering on the Eagles from the stands with his wife and four children.

Indeed, the Geylang community have fond memories of the late winners that their heroes in green had snatched over the years.

For Jeff, it was the dramatic 3-2 victory last season when Rio Sakuma finished off his team's last-ditch attack seven minutes into added time.

"The best win after some time, coupled with a Yasir Hanapi's own goal which helped Geylang draw first blood," he says with a grin on his face, especially when highlighting the misfortune of the Eagles old boy-turned-rival.

Another memorable experience of a late winner came in a derby during the 2019 campaign when then Eagles captain Yuki Ichikawa planted a firm header into the net at the stroke of the 90th minute, sending his fans in the Our Tampines Hub grandstand into ecstasy.

Long-time supporter Terence Yip - who had the honour of witnessing his club lift the Singapore Cup in 2009 - recalls the stadium atmosphere in the aftermath of Ichikawa's winning goal with vivid details: "It was super surreal as you could on one hand hear a pin-drop silence among the Tampines supporters, and on the other hand see the home stand going crazy. I remember that we were all cheering and screaming knowing the fact that we just sealed the game, and most importantly the three points."

The Geylang faithful are hoping that their squad are able to repeat their heroic acts at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday - no matter how late they may be.

Lying in third with a mere two points behind their more illustrious neighbours, an unlikely Eagles victory that evening would see the fallen Singaporean giants mark their claim on the final AFC Champions League Two qualifying spot. That prospect excites their long-suffering fans as it would see them witnessing their club back in continental action after a 14-year hiatus.

The Geylang faithful know fully well what their players need to do to prevail over their cross-town neighbours. With only two clean sheets this season, there has been a strong call from supporters to tighten their porous defence.

"Geylang do have a chance to win if we play smartly and not concede soft goals," says diehard Terence. Cautioning on the opposing team's dangermen, he continues, "Tampines have a good number of strong players such as Boris Kopitovic and Kyoga Nakamura. This is why we really can't afford to let our guard down and let in soft goals."

According to fellow supporter Jeff, the Stags backline have been unusually suspect in recent weeks. They not only failed to keep a clean sheet in the last nine matches, but also conceded two or more goals in seven of them.

"Geylang are strong moving forward and could exploit the cracks in Tampines defence," Jeff expresses his confidence on his swashbuckling side.

With the two title challengers poised to hit at each other's defensive weak points, the tech guru - who once created an SPL fantasy game - offers his take on how the derby is likely to conclude. "I believe the game would go to the team that makes the least individual mistakes. I foresee a 2-2 draw even though my heart wishes a win."

Team news: Ahmad Syahir, who picked up a knee injury before the previous match against Balestier Khalsa, is the latest casualty to be ruled out of the forthcoming derby, joining long-term absentees Huzaifah Aziz and Naufal Azman on the treatment table.

There is better news elsewhere for head coach Noor Ali as Shakir Hamzah and Iqbal Hussain are close to returning to match action, and a late fitness call will be done to determine their availability. Between the duo, the former is more likely to be restored to the left-wing position.

Player to watch: Rio Sakuma - The Japanese defensive rock is expected to marshal his backline so as to keep the likes of Boris Kopitovic and Seia Kunori at bay. Having already earned a fearsome reputation for scoring late in Eastern derbies to secure valuable points for his side, the Eagles faithful are counting on their 1.79m central defender to pull off another such trick if called upon.