Singapore double-header

One of the most important Singapore football team dates.

Singapore vs Thailand 14 Nov
Thailand vs Singapore 18 Nov

Singapore, having lost to Iran but defeated Jordan in the Asian Cup 2011 qualifying group, is on 2nd position with 3 points, behind Asian powerhouse Iran, which could not make it to the World Cup 2010, missing out narrowly in a tight tussle for 3rd place at least in the group.

Thailand is on 2 points having drawn both of their previous matches. So as it stands the teams have 4, 3, 2 and 1 points.

This is in fact one of the easier groupings Singapore have been placed in among the recent groupings for qualifiers. The last time, it was Japan and Oman. Despite a late opportunity with a final qualifying group, Singapore disappointed and didn't enter into the actual competition.

But Singapore has become a regional powerhouse in recent years under the guidance of Raddy Avramovic, and with the aid of the Foreign Talent Scheme, the team is moving forward, despite talk of the S-League moving backwards.

With the 2 matches against Thailand, Singapore could well finally re-enter the regional competition and compete with Asia's best. Finally qualifying will mean that our nation has truly improved and is now ready to move out of just being one of the best in South-East Asia but also in Asia.

2 wins would put Singapore in a very good position to at least finish 2nd.

And it promises to be 2 very keen and fired up affairs between the rivals. Thailand are known for being fast and prefers passing on the ground, while Singapore looks to long balls to the strikeforce which are rather clinical.

Duric, at 39 (or 40?) years of age is still S-League's top scorer once again. His height will make a difference, but not to be forgotten is how he is adept at being a box striker. His partner, Noh Alam Shah, also packs a great heading ability. Remember him totally destructing the shorter Laotian defence last time in an 11-0 drubbing? He is also pacy, but will need to check his temper.

And this team has very strong backup. Khairul Amri is a very pacy forward and can score free kicks and more spectacular goals. His problem is his injury problems, but he has came back and will probably make some contributions as a substitute to turn things around when the match is not going well for the Lions.

The new central defensive pair of Daniel Bennett and Baihakki Khaizan looks rather solid. They do have some height among them, and Bennett, for years playing as a full-back, should be able to check pacy runs by the Thai attackers.

Shaiful Esah promises a lot with his set pieces especially. It is good to note I have appreciated his abilities since his substitute appearance in the defeat by Vietnam in the AFF Suzuki Cup in the semi-finals. He is long my first choice in his position.

Notingly, for all of Thai's attacking flair, they have yet to score a single goal in their qualifiers. They will look to put an end to that. I am expecting a close affair, with goals for both sides.

Singapore can rely on their attackers, with Duric, Noh, Amri, Agu all established scorers who can change games. The midfield is very exciting as well. Mustafic Fahrudin and John Wilkinson really plug the gaps in midfield with a steely presence and can threaten with powerful long shots, especially the former.

Players like Sharil Ishak will add pace, and Khairul Amri as well. It depends whether Avramovic will play him as a winger or a substitute striker, but I back him to feature prominently shall he play.

My prediction for the home leg on 14 Nov is a win for the Singapore Lions by 3-1, while I will make the prediction for the 2nd round of the battle after watching this first match.

Let us rally behind the Lions and roar them to victory!