Albirex Niigata FC VS Home United FC

Home United FC comes into the 2010 season with high expectations. The Protectors are expected to be among the front runners for this year's S-League title. With a host of new signings combined with the established National players, many see this year as the year Home United FC end their barren run.

Coming into this match, Home United FC new Head Coach Lee Lim Saeng will have to contend with some missing players.

Defenders Valery Heik and Sharil Alias are suspended for this match. The duo's suspension is due to accumulation of yellow cards from last season. National midfielder Tengku Mushadad misses this match with a foot injury and Ismail Yunos remains sidelined with a long term injury.

Our Protectors should cope with their absence, as strength in depth in Home United's squad is evident this season. New signing Shariff Abdul Samat will slot into central defence with ease and along with reliable fullbacks Juma'at Jantan and Rosman Sulaiman, Home United's defence still looks solid. Home United's strength this season looks to be in midfield, where they have several quality players. National players Shi Jiayi and Sharil Ishak are into their fourth season at Home United FC. Much is expected from the National duo. Along side them will be Isa Halim, who will do the defensive job in midfield. To complete the midfield line will be two attacking midfielders in South Americans Peres De Oliveira and Nelson San Martin. In attack, South Korean Choi Chul Woo comes with high credentials, having played in the K-League for several years.

Japanese side Albirex Niigata FC are a much changed side this season with only three players left from last year's squad. For the new set of players, it will take time before they settle in and this presents a good chance for our Protectors to get 3 points in the bag.

Come catch this exciting match at the Jurong East Stadium. Kick-off is at 1945hrs.