Preview: DPMM FC vs Balestier Khalsa FC

FREE ADMISSION tonight

The final tier round hasn’t been smooth sailing for DPMM FC. Having a six point cushion at one stage and losing two home games, DPMM FC have themselves to blame for the major slip but they can bounce back and make their final home match count against Balestier Khalsa FC tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

The back-to-back home defeats have piled pressure on DPMM FC and the two week break was much needed for DPMM FC to get back on the drawing board and learn from their mistakes. I do hope that the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) Suzuki Cup qualifiers won’t have a draining impact on the players as most of the DPMM FC players were being featured for the qualifiers and they only have two days rest before continuing the S•League match.

DPMM FC head coach Steve Kean felt that it won’t be a disadvantage for DPMM FC players (after returning from a taxing AFF Suzuki Cup qualifiers) who will go up against a crucial tie against Balestier Khalsa in the remaining fixtures of the S•League. He shared that most of the young players were being featured and it shouldn’t be a problem especially to the senior players when they play tonight at the Hassanal Bolkiah Stadium.

The only player that might be doubtful is Shahrazen Said who nursing a slight hamstring strain but Kean is happy to have Rodrigo Tosi returned after serving his suspension which will give more attacking options for DPMM FC. The imports have been training on their own when the local players were in the AFF competition.

Kean felt that the points on board more important and if DPMM FC can win all their remaining fixtures, the S•League title will be DPMM FC’s first. Currently Warriors FC are leading by four points though DPMM FC have two games in hand. Hence it’s vital that DPMM FC get all three points tonight and put pressure on title contenders Warriors FC.

It’s sad news for Tampines Rovers as their title defence came to an end two nights ago when they lost to Warriors FC. The result meant that there will be a new champion in the S•League and it will be a two horse race between Warriors FC and DPMM FC. Albirex Niigata FC (S) still have a mathematical chance of winning unless Warriors lose their last game of the season.

Do catch DPMM FC tonight against Balestier Khalsa FC and the match entrance is FREE. Do spread the news.

Steve Kean being interviewed by the press

A customary part of training to work as a team

The standing so far