| Fadhil Yunus |
DPMM FC will field their best possible line-up in the crucial league tie against Balestier Khalsa FC in the Singapore Premier League at the Toa Payoh Stadium in Singapore tonight, despite having the second leg of the Singapore Cup semi-final in their sights.
The two sides will be locked in battle for the second leg of the Singapore Cup next Wednesday but DPMM FC Team Manager Ali Momin indicated that a strong squad could be expected in the league clash.
“We will still put out our best players but we have to check if the players are fit because there are only a few days of rest,” the team manager told the Football Association of Singapore website.
The Gegar Gegar men are still in contention for second place but must win their last two fixtures including their final home game against Young Lions in a rescheduled match on October 9.
Tampines Rovers and second-placed Home United, their direct rivals, are fighting for the most realistic finish this season with the latter on pole position three points clear.
The ideal scenario for DPMM FC is the Stags taking all three points at the Our Tampines Hub in Singapore on the same night as their match against the Tigers.
Tampines Rovers currently lie third with 39 points and a win against the Protectors will put them level on points and help leapfrog to second place via goal difference.
Shall Juergen Rabb’s men end the season on a winning note, the result will be greeted as welcoming news for Rene Weber and his charges, which will open the door to them for a late push for second place.
The focus will not only be in the east of Singapore as DPMM FC must beat Balestier Khalsa to keep their hopes for second place going down to the wire on the final day of the season.
After taking a two-goal advantage ahead of the second leg of the Singapore Cup final, the Brunei-based outfit will turn their attentions with their interest in the league and Ali stressed the importance of tonight’s game.
“We want to keep the winning mentality. We are still fighting for second and we have two more games. We have to take Saturday’s game seriously and our target is to try our best,” said Ali.
DPMM FC will miss the services of Shah Razen Said and Azwan Ali Rahman through suspension but Head Coach Rene Weber will return to the dugout after his absence through suspension during the Singapore Cup first-leg win in midweek.