SINGAPORE - The early Singapore Premier League title talk had revolved around the usual suspects; defending champions Albirex Niigata, local powerhouses Home United and Tampines Rovers, as well as big spenders Hougang United.
But midway through the first round of fixtures, only overlooked Brunei DPMM remain unbeaten - even after tough games against Home (1-0), Albirex (0-0) and Tampines (2-1).
DPMM coach Adrian Pennock told The Straits Times: "Nobody were talking us pre-season but there can always be surprises in the league and Balestier (Khalsa, their opponents on Saturday, April 13, at the Bishan Stadium) are also third now on merit.
"They are good going forward and we need to show up if we are to get a positive result and keep this run going.
"Momentum is so important in a league season. Albirex had a fantastic unbeaten run throughout 2018 to win the league and hopefully ours will continue on Saturday."
Former Belarus international Andrei Varankou has started well with three goals as Pennock has successfully integrated him and the other two new imports - Australian midfielder Blake Ricciuto and English centre-back Charlie Clough - alongside DPMM's long-serving locals.
Pennock, 48, took over on Dec 1. The Englishman said: "It is important we got the right people and characters in the team. The imports we got from 30 trialists from all over the world are excellent, and the locals have just been these honest players who want to learn.
"My job was first to get them fit, strong and organised and work on team spirit and bonding."
His side are tactically flexible (able to switch between three or four at the back) and also mentally resilient (DPMM played with 10 men for 40 minutes against Albirex after Najib Tarif was sent off).
Balestier will be no pushovers despite having lost their captain and goalkeeper Zaiful Nizam. He ruptured his Achilles' tendon and will be out for about four months.
Tigers coach Khidhir Khamis will have to rely on the untested duo of Zacharial Leong and Faris Danial during the Singapore international's absence.
Khidhir said: "Zaiful is an integral part of how we play and his absence is a big blow on and off the pitch, but we have a squad ready to take up the responsibility of leading and rallying each other until he returns."
Balestier have scored eight goals after five league games - behind only Tampines who have managed 12 - with forwards Sime Zuzul and Kristijan Krajcek a threat and 19-year-old Daniel Goh impressing on the right wing.
Khidhir said:"We had a short pre-season, so we are still a work in progress. But I have been pleased with the players' willingness to accept change from a soak and strike strategy to more expansive football.
"We still need to improve in terms of intensity and how we attack and defend. The players are responding in training and we will be a much better side as the season goes along."
Norwich City won the league with a dazzling offensive display, led by Teemu Pukki's 29 goals. The Canaries are the only one of the trio who can say they beat a Premier League team last season, although just how much they can brag about defeating Cardiff City is up for debate. How Promoted: Automatically as EFL Championship winners with 94 points
Sheffield to Norwich Trains | Find & Book Train Tickets
AD
Football: Mourinho concedes Man United incapable of living with Liverpool Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho gestures at Anfield, Liverpool, Britain, on Dec 16, 2018. PHOTO: REUTERS
Mourinho concedes Man United incapable of living with
Harry Kane: Tottenham striker out until March with ankle injury
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is set to serve a second term after world football's governing body said on Wednesday he would be the only candidate for June's vote. The 48-year-old has been
Infantino re-elected FIFA president for four-year term | News
Football: Mourinho rejects offers, reveals fragile ego at United LONDON • Jose Mourinho revealed that he has turned down three job offers since being sacked by Manchester United last month, adding he was happy to bide his time before taking on his next challenge.
Latest JOSE MOURINHO | The Straits Times
An open letter to Tatsuma Yoshida, the Singapore national football team's new coach. 2019, with the headline 'Yoshida-san, restore the Lions' semangat, boleh?'. Print Edition | Subscribe.
Football: Yoshida-san, restore the Lions' semangat, boleh?
virginiabus.info/sports/football-yoshida-san-restore-the-lions-semangat-boleh/
There was a time when our Lions roared on the regional stage. But after three straight group-stage eliminations from the AFF Suzuki Cup, we have been reduced to whimpering pussycats of late. We are looking to you to restore the semangat - which is similar to the Japanese concepts of seishin and tamashii - and revive the energy and
Flipboard: Lions hungry for post-raya victory
Lionel Messi tells Ernesto Valverde to axe five Barcelona stars this summer - report LIONEL MESSI has told Barcelona boss Ernesto Valverde to axe five first-team stars. The Catalans are flying
Chelsea News: Lionel Messi tells Ernesto Valverde to axe
Over the last 23 years, Chelsea have consistently signed big-name players on their way to four Premier League titles. Sportsmail looks at the 10 best and 10 worst of a big-spending era in blue.
Liverpool took control of their Champions League quarter-final tie with Porto as goals from Naby Keita and Roberto Firmino secured a 2-0 first-leg win at Anfield on Tuesday. The Reds raced into
Naby Keita, Roberto Firmino give Liverpool 2-0 win over Porto
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp admits Dejan Lovren is unlikely to feature against Bayern Munich in the Champions League on Tuesday night. Lovren is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained against Wolves last month and the Croatia international did not travel with his team-mates to the club's warm-weather training camp in Marbella.
Liverpool's Lovren unlikely to face Bayern, says Klopp
The move prevents Belgium international Alderweireld, who has been linked with a move to Manchester United by the British media, from leaving on a free transfer at the end of the season. When asked whether Spurs intend to trigger the clause, Pochettino told a news conference: "Yes, for sure, it's obvious.
Soccer: Spurs to trigger Alderweireld contract extension
Barcelona beat United 1-0 in an unspectacular but solid display. Subhadeep Roy FOLLOW. ANALYST The Barca defence, meanwhile, put up a solid performance to keep the United forwards at bay.
Barcelona's defensive display against Sevilla raises concerns
Former England star Wayne Rooney scored three goals on Saturday night to lead DC United to a crushing 5-0 victory over Real Salt Lake. Rooney registered his first three goals of the new season and
Rooney Bags First MLS Hat-trick in D.C. Romp - News18
Chelsea have completed the signing of Argentina striker Gonzalo Higuain, who will join the club on loan from Juventus until the end of the season, the Premier League club said on Wednesday. Higuain joins Chelsea after his year-long loan spell with AC Milan was cut to less than six months.
Chelsea complete loan deal for Juventus striker Gonzalo
0 comments:
Post a Comment