Match Preview: Fallen Eagles Look to Bounce Back to Winning Ways

Photo credit: Football Association of Singapore

Surprise packages Geylang International - who have punched above their weight this season in spite of their thin squad - were given a reality check on their status in the Singapore Premier League on Tuesday night (October 29) after being handed a resounding 3-0 home defeat to their fierce rivals Tampines Rovers.

Lying third in Singapore's first-tier league, the former two-time league champions gave themselves a good account for the first half an hour or so against their more illustrious neighbours.

Eagles diehard fan Razni Razak, who started supporting the eastern Singapore side in the 2018 campaign, recalls, "It was a strong start from the team. The passing was good, attacking by the flanks was good. Once the first goal was conceded, the team morale took a hit."

While Razni could see that the team tried to have a shot at goal after the half-time break, he observes that "at the expense of attacking, our defenders were exposed by Tampines' counter-attacks."

In fact, Geylang were powerless to resist against a domineering Tampines outfit as the second half wore on, with the latter plundering two more goals against their hapless neighbours.

Watching helplessly from the home section as his heroes were crushed by a superior opponent, Razni rues his side's bad day at the office. "Eastern derby as always is a promising match to watch, but sadly the game didn't end as what we Eagles fans wanted it to be."

Thankfully, the Geylang faithful may not have to dwell too long on the latest derby setback, as an opportunity is presented this Sunday for their beloved team to quickly recover with a win over Young Lions.

On paper, it should be well within reach for the Eagles to secure three points in their weekend clash against the seventh-placed under-23 developmental squad.

Sure enough, the relatively experienced team - with an average age of 27.8 - have strung seven consecutive league victories over their youthful opponents, totalling an aggregate score of 24-3.

But Razni issues a cautionary note on areas where Young Lions could potentially play to their strengths. "Their pace and stamina are much better than us."

Indeed, these are genuine concerns for Noor Ali's charges as their lack of speed and fitness contributed to the recent derby defeat. Not only did Joshua Pereira struggle to chase down the pacy Faris Ramli along his right flank, but Iqbal Hussain also ran out of gas and had to be hauled off by his coach at the break.

Yet, this does not faze Razni and the devoted supporter feels positively about the outcome of the match. "As Eagles, we believe we will fly high again!"

Team news: Geylang's treatment room became less crowded with Shakir Hamzah, Iqbal Hussain and Ahmad Syahir returning to pitch action during last Tuesday's derby. It is to be noted that their fitness are being managed by Coach Noor Ali as they played only parts of that clash.

There is no word from the Eagles camp on the availability of Zikos Chua whose substitute appearance against the Stags was cut short in the 85th minute upon complaining of a knee issue.

What is certain though is the ruling out of long-term absentees Huzaifah Aziz and Naufal Azman who are still recovering from anterior cruciate ligament and knee injuries, respectively.

Player to watch: Tomoyuki Doi - The Japanese hotshot found no success in front of the Tampines goal on Tuesday night as he was well shut out by a disciplined Tampines rearguard. He only had one tame effort on target while others barely left his striking foot as they were quickly charged down by the Stags defenders. One can be certain that the leading goalscorer of the SPL will be fired up to resume his goalscoring services against Young Lions on Sunday.