By Song Sung Hai
This season’s past result
TPUFC 0-1 WWFC

Only two days of rest after the last match against Balestier Khalsa on Wednesday and the Jaguars will now have to travel to Woodlands Stadium to face the Rams tonight who come into the game fresh after ten days of rest ever since their capitulation at the hands of Geylang International in their 27th May RHB Singapore Cup tie.

The Jaguars will be eager to wipe away the memories of last Wednesday’s game against the Tigers and this quick fixture will give us the opportunity to do so. The last time the Jaguars met Woodlands Wellington at home, the Rams trotted away with a fortunate 1-0 victory which came against the run of play after being overwhelmed throughout.

Woodlands Wellington sit in 9th place on the table, one atop the Jaguars and five points away though they do have a game in hand. Firdaus Idros, who impressed in the last game, will sit this one out due to suspension but the Jaguars have ample replacement in the arsenal.

The Jaguars were hardly outplayed by the Tigers in the last match who had everything going for them by scoring three goals from the three real attacks they have, incuding a controversial second goal which changed the shape of the match.

If it is one thing the Jaguars do not appear to have, it is luck and that is something that cannot be helped. What can be helped though is that the Rams face a potential whiplash from a wounded Jaguars side packing enough quality to sit in the top half of the table.

Monsef Zerka may not be scoring but his contribution to the team is still plenty to count on for and with Kamel Ramdani gradually getting back to his best, the Jaguars look as threatening as ever upfront. Sebastien Etiemble may be having an indifferent run of form of late but on his day, he can unlock any defence at will. Sazali Salleh and Tengku Mushadad are reliable stabilisers in midfield and are unbeatable on their day. Captain Ahmad Latiff is getting better with each game he plays and he will look to revitalising his teammates come tonight.

Anthony Aymard came on late in the last match and he may start the game tonight and if he does so, that will give Head Coach Patrick Vallee the option of freeing Ahmad Latiff to a more attacking role, where he can do more damage.

Last time out at Queenstown Stadium, S.League veteran Yazid Yasin put in a youthful performance as he leapt around like a Gummi Bear high on gummiberry juice to deny the Jaguars time and again. Judging from their last match though, the signs point to Yazid having run out of his gummiberry juice and let us hope it stays that way.

Chang Jo Yoon and Taufiq Ghani will need some watching up front and if these two are stopped, then the Rams’ horns will be slightly blunted, rendering their charges ineffective.

Head Coach Patrick Vallée is not one to give up and nor are his charges. The Jaguars are one of the more impressive attacking sides this season and only a lack of goals have hampered our advances to the top half of the league. Every game from now on will be a battle and you can count on the Jaguars giving their all as we attempt to start our resurgence tonight at Woodlands Stadium.

See you there!