Balestier Khalsa vs Tampines Rovers

Toa Payoh Stadium is the venue as out-of-sorts foes Balestier Khalsa and Tampines Rovers go head-to-head in a high-stakes Singapore Premier League.

Balestier Khalsa’s 2-0 home defeat to Geylang International last time out proved a narrow 1-0 win away to basement boys Young Lions on the preceding matchday was just a fluke. Coming into this round, the ‘Tigers’ have lost six of their last seven Singapore Premier League fixtures (W1), succumbing to multi-goal margins in three of them. Moreover, after back-to-back high-scoring home triumphs in March/April, Akbar Nawas’ men have lost three consecutive top-flight matches on home turf by an aggregate score of 10-2. This upcoming fixture won’t make Balestier’s life any better, as they’ve only won one of their last nine home league meetings with Tampines (D3, L5).

On the other hand, Tampines Rovers have lost their last three outings across all competitions, including a pair of high-scoring defeats in the AFC Cup towards the tail-end of June. As far as domestic proceedings are concerned, things are looking equally worrying, with the ‘Stags’ losing three of their last four Singapore Premier League fixtures (W1). Gavin Lee’s men need a leg-up here to get back to winning ways, but an abysmal five-game away league form this season won’t provide one (W1, D1, L3). On top of that, Tampines have conceded 2+ goals in four of their five top-flight travels this term, casting further doubt on their winning prospects.