Tanjong Pagar vs Balestier Central Prediction: Don't expect many goals here

The AIA Singapore Premier League (SPL) kicks off this weekend with Tanjong Pagar United hosting Balestier Khalsa on Friday night. Both teams showed signs of seriousness in their last games; however, we expect and hope to be entertained when they lock horns together tomorrow.

Tanjong Pagar (5th)

Last five matches: LLLLD

The Jaguars have now lost four games and drawn once in the last five games, scoring eight and conceding twenty-five.

They were disappointed not to have secured all the points against Hougang United the last time. Despite having control of the game at halftime, the home side levelled in the 90th minute to split points.

The Jaguars are fifth on the log with twenty-one points behind Lion City, and it’s unlikely they will challenge either Albirex Niigata or Lion City for the title this season; however, the AFC champions league spot is still available for grabs.

Tanjong Pagar have won three, lost five and drawn three in the last eleven home games.

Balestier Central (7th)

Last five games: LWLLL

Balestier Central lost again to make it three losses in three games. They fought so hard but lost (3-5) at home to the title contender. Although, they exhibited some signs of earnestness against Albirex Niigata.

The visitors have won six, drawn two and lost fifteen all season. Balestier have won twice and lost nine times in the last eleven away games.

The Tigers are sitting snugly in seventh place with twenty points, seven behind Geylang in sixth, and thirteen ahead of Young Lions at the bottom of the table.

Team news

Tanjong Pagar: Goalkeeper Zharfan Rohaizad is out with a hip injury, as is forward Khairul Nizam with a calf strain. Top scorer Reo Nishiguchi is suspended after picking up his fourth yellow card last week. Veteran defender Shakir Hamzah could potentially make a return, having suffered an anterior cruciate ligament injury last December.

Balestier Central: Delwinder Singh (groin strain) and Amer Hakeem (foot injury). The trio of Ensar Bruncevic (knee injury), Asshukrie Wahid (ankle injury) and Naufal Azman (knee injury) are also ruled out. Defender Ho Wai Loon is suspended, but Balestier will be boosted by the return of goalkeeper Rudy Khairullah from a foot injury.

Expert Betting Tips

The home side have won the last three games against the visitors, but it's going to be hard here as they will be missing most of their star men. We don't expect many goals here; bet on under four goals for 1.58.

We expect both teams to split points here for 4.00.

The visitor's win or draw won't be a bad option for 1.73.

Good luck!