By Song Sung Hai

The season is finally coming to a close tonight when the Jaguars take on the Hougang Cheetahs at Hougang Stadium. The Jaguars are on a four-game unbeaten streak and with three consecutive victories so at least confidence will be high.

In the S.League, the Jaguars have not been able to beat Hougang United despite dominating in both matches, losing the first 2-1 at home and drawing 1-1 at the away fixture. It was a different case in the Cup matches though as the Jaguars came back to beat Hougang in the first round of the Singapore Cup and then won through the penalty shootout in the semi-finals of the League Cup.

Hence, all games have been close this year and it will be hard to see either team running away with the game. It must be known though that victory tonight by any scoreline will have the Jaguars level on points with 8th placed Geylang International but a win by a 4-goal margin will see the Jaguars trade places with the Bedok Eagles.

The offensive equation of the Jaguars were in destructive mood last week as they wiped Pasir Gudang clean with the Young Tigers. Sebastien Etiemble was unstoppable and so were stalwarts like Monsef Zerka, Kamel Ramdani, Firdaus Idros and Asraf Rashid who combined to overpower their opponents.

Aurelien Herisson and his defensive giants, Ahmad Latiff and Hafiz Osman in centre, have kept two consecutive clean sheets and will be determined to keep that record to finish the season off. Whichever Jaguar is chosen to play tonight, one can expect a steeled and gutsy performance from a team looking too good to be in the bottom half.

Hougang United will once again rely on their lethal Brazilians up front and they can really hurt if left unchecked. At the back, Fadhil Salim is one of the best local goalie money can buy on these shores and Hougang will be relying heavily on his experience and skills for results.

Head Coach Patrick Vallée will want the team to finish off the season with as many points as possible and you can be sure the Jaguars will be a force to reckon with tonight.

See you there!