Tanjong Pagar United VS Albirex Niigata

24 September 2013
Queenstown Stadium

Here we are.

After 22 rounds of action in the Great Eastern Yeo's S.League, more drama and excitement await all clubs as they embark on the half round.

Similar in concept to leagues in Scotland, Belgium, Holland and Greece, final positions of champions, runners-ups and continental qualifiers are determined using this format.

Using local context, Tanjong Pagar United compete in the 'Championship Group', the top half by virtue of their lofty league position.

One fact of note however, is regarding Tampines Rovers and the possibilty of them retaining their title after a 3-1 reverse on Friday night.

In the post-match analysis, most would agree trying to catch the Stags with a side missing five key men in any given game is a tall enough order.

Moving forward, by playing a second match in the space of four days the only way can be 'up', and Head coach Patrick Vallee could relax a little as he shares his opinion on the mathematical chase for second place.

“The teams are very close, and the fight for second position is interesting.”

Like the hosts, their visitors on Tuesday evening have every reason to prove their season is no flash in a pan.

But in order to convince at this late stage of the season, Albirex Niigata have to show at least the quality and right frame of mind to even equal their level of play in their best-ever season of 2011.

They also have the need to improve their goalscoring records having clocked the lowest numbers of goals for teams in the top half.

Not only does a resurgent Woodlands Wellington approach the forty-goal mark, even a rejuvenated Warriors FC – fresh from a 3-1 success over the Swans – have outscored them.

That said, it is by no means easy against a side with the likes of the veteran Shingo Suzuki, the effervescent Bruno Castanheira and the over-burdened Kazuki Sakamoto.

One sore point remains: despite claiming their bold intentions year after year, the sometimes neutrals' favourite remain a long shot away from their dream of landing the S.League title.

Back to the Jaguars, the team have their own aspirations of going as high as they can with effort, commitment, desire and spirit.

On the positive side, Zahid Ahmad and Monsef Zerka are chomping at the bit to return, with the latter waiting to be unleashed.

All forthcoming opponents had better take serious note.

Kickoff is at 7.30pm. Be there!