S. League duel: Close contest expected between Balestier Khalsa and Warriors

It’s busy days for these teams as both were in action only a few days ago. There’s no rest for the wicked, or in this case; no rest for Balestier Khalsa and Warriors.

Warriors play their home games on artificial turf, while this game is played on grass. Recent stats for Warriors when playing on grass are 9 wins, 10 draws and 19 defeats from 38 matches. They have scored 62 goals and conceded 87 times in these games. There's local pride at stake here, as these teams are practically neighbours. Expect lots of passion from both players and supporters.

Balestier Khalsa form and stats

Balestier Khalsa's struggle is real here at Bishan Stadium with only 7 points collected from 11 S. League games. The win-draw-lost numbers are ugly: 2-1-8. The season ticket holders are starting to dread their visits here at Bishan Stadium, with the home team losing six in a row. They have not avoided a defeat here since the Warriors game.

Happy days for Balestier Khalsa in their previous game, a Singapore Cup match away at Home United (placed 6th) that ended with a 3-1 victory. Prior to that, an away loss at Albirex Niigata S in the S. League.

This is expected to be a close game, with Balestier Khalsa perhaps considered small favourites due to their home advantage. Looking back at earlier matches similar to this one (expected to be close with Balestier Khalsa as a small favourite), we find two games. Balestier Khalsa has won 1 of these, drawn 1 and lost 0.

A decent goal production from Balestier Khalsa in their home games so far, with 17 goals from 11 league matches. Defensively there's plenty of potential for improvement as Balestier Khalsa have allowed the opposition to score 30 goals here at Bishan Stadium.

Warriors form and stats

There's been little loot from Warriors's travels as they have only collected 7 points from 11 away games in the S. League. Warriors, who have the most conceded goals (32) away in S. League, only have 2 wins to counter their 8 defeats and 1 draw. Recent form does not give Warriors much hope, as the visitors have lost three games in a row. Balestier Khalsa will be a tough nut to crack. The pressure to perform on the road is increasing on R. Onn, the Warriors manager, as the last three away games were defeats.

Warriors play their second away game in a row, but can be confident going into this one after the 3-1 victory visiting Tampines Rovers (placed 2nd). A 0-1 loss hosting Tampines Rovers before that.

So, this is expected to be a close game, an even contest. Looking at earlier matches with Warriors playing away and similar expectations, we found two relevant matches. Results were 1 Warriors win, 0 draws and 1 defeat.

Warriors are not goal shy away from home in the league, finding the net 18 times in 11 away games so far. People interested in "over 2,5 goals" betting will like to know that Warriors concede an average of more than 2,5 goals per away match all on their own.

Head 2 Head

The two sides played each other earlier this season: Warriors - Balestier Khalsa 3-3. Last ten meetings between the teams: Balestier Khalsa won 2, Warriors won 3 and 5 draws. 7 games with over 2,5 goals, 3 matches with two goals or less.

Top Goalscorers

J. Béhé 12 goals

H. Halim 9 goals

Š. Žužul 9 goals

Balestier Khalsa missing players

Warriors missing players