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Match Preview: Eagles Hopeful of Zuzul Ending His Mini Goal Drought


Photo credit: Idi Bakhtiar

Geylang International seek to build on their last weekend's victory against Tanjong Pagar United - the first in 11 matches - when they travel to Toa Payoh Stadium to face Balestier Khalsa this Saturday (July 2).


In an underwhelming campaign by the Eagles' standard, Vincent Bezecourt whose below-par performance this season came under scrutiny, stepped up and delivered the goal as well as the three points against the Jaguars.


That long-awaited victory has put the seventh-placed side three points off the midtable teams Balestier Khalsa and Hougang United.


The two-time league champions are a couple of positive results away from midtable respectability.


But with Geylang International having the lowest goal tally in the league (14), Bezecourt will look to his strike partner Sime Zuzul to chip in the goals.


The Eagles top scorer in the league with five goals, is currently on a mini goal drought - having not scored for the past three games.


His attacking teammates Bezecourt and Hazzuwan Halim, and even the defensive-minded Takahiro Tezuka, had found the net during that sequence.


Zuzul hopes to deliver the goods at his old stomping ground, where he netted 31 goals in 52 games during his time with the Tigers.


Although the Croatian hotshot drew a blank in his previous encounter against Balestier Khalsa, there is every opportunity for him to put a few goals past the league's leakiest defence.


The Ultras Eagles travelling contingent are potentially in for a treat to a goal fest at Toa Payoh Stadium.


Team news: Geylang International's squad depth is put to the test with missing personnel in central defence and central midfield.


Huzaifah Aziz faces a one-match suspension after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season in the previous game against Tanjong Pagar United. Umar Ramle picked up a knock against the Jaguars and had to be substituted with nine minutes to play.


The versatility of Joshua Pereira means he could easily slot into the central midfield role. But Abdil Qaiyyim's possible absence and the call-up of Kieran Teo to the Singapore Under-19 squad may require Pereira to provide defensive cover, should head coach Noor Ali go for a three-man defence.

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