DPMM vs Albirex Niigata

Jalan Besar Stadium forms the backdrop for a handsomely-looking Singapore Premier League showdown between DPMM and Albirex Niigata.

Since a 2-1 home triumph over Tanjong Pagar in early May, DPMM’s form has been on a downward trajectory, as they’ve gone winless in four straight league matches, losing the last three in a row by an aggregate score of 7-4. The impending return to Jalan Besar Stadium is unlikely to inspire much confidence, considering Adrian Pennock’s men have only managed one win across their last five home league outings (D1, L3), including back-to-back defeats via a single-goal margin. The recent top-flight H2H stakes at Jalan Besar Stadium (W4, L4) suggest this encounter could go either way, but from DPMM’s standpoint, much will depend on a fast start. Indeed, they’ve lost seven out of eight Premier League matches after falling behind this season (W1).

On the other hand, Albirex Niigata’s Premier League title defense is picking up steam as a comprehensive 3-0 home win over Geylang International last time out made it seven victories in eight league fixtures (L1). Despite trailing table-topping Tampines Rovers by three points, the ‘White Swans’ have two games in hand, and after winning their last two league games by at least a three-goal margin, they must be confident of closing the gap this weekend. Adding to this sentiment, Kazuaki Yoshinaga’s men lead the scoring charts in the Premier League with a whopping 21 goals across five league travels. Yet after a flawless four-match start on the road (W1), they succumbed to a 3-2 defeat at Lion City on their most recent trip.