By Song Sung Hai

Last season’s results
Hougang United 2-3 Tanjong Pagar United
Tanjong Pagar United 1-0 Hougang United

With only 2 days of rest, the Jaguars will now host Hougang United FC tomorrow here at Queenstown Stadium. The Northeast Cheetahs did not manage to beat us last season, losing both encounters by one-goal margins.

The Jaguars will be slightly depleted after last Monday’s grueling encounter up north at Pasir Gudang. Ruzaini Zainal and Nor Azli Yusoff are both suspended while Tengku Mushadad is currently doubtful for tomorrow’s game. Kamel Ramdani will definitely be out after picking up a hard knock to his knee in the previous game.

On a good note, we will be able to welcome back Hanafi Salleh to the team. Hanafi Salleh is one of our most consistent and improved player over the past two season and his presence will add even more steel to the team. Our key-man Monsef Zerka will also be able to finally start his season and he will be eager to impress once again.

Hougang United drew their first game against Woodlands Wellington FC last week and they will have their work cut out for them at Queenstown Stadium. Erwan Gunawan scored last week and currently looks to be the best Cheetahs’ player. His pace and trickiness on the ball will be something the Jaguars will need to pay attention to.

Jaguars Head Coach Patrick Vallee is not too concerned that he will not be able to field his first eleven tomorrow and he looks forward to the game in his usual manner; with confidence.

He explained, “I trust all my players. It is just the start of the season and even though I cannot have a full team to select from tomorrow, I believe all my players are capable of performing.

“Hougang is a good team this year. They have two good players. Fazli Jaffar and Erwan Gunawan are good attacking players and they add immense depth to the way Hougang United plays. They also have a strong defensive backline so it will be an interesting game. We are playing at home so it is important we perform well for the fans. Aything can happen in a game and getting three points for our first Home game will be fantastic but my emphasis will be on the players to perform well.”

The Jaguars showed tremendous resilience last Monday and fans can expect the same tomorrow. Hougang United may be a tough team to beat and will want to better their record against us but more than just the Jaguars on the pitch, they will also have to deal with the Jaguars in the stands.

See you there!