SAFFC have an excellent chance to
join rivals Home United at the head of the S.League standings when
they host Chinese newcomers Liaoning Guangyuan at Choa Chu Kang
Stadium on Saturday night.
The unbeaten Warriors are likely to field the same team that
overwhelmed Balestier Khalsa 4-2 on Monday - or at least that
appears to be the hint from coach Richard Bok, who has announced he
has a full squad to choose from for this match.
Tactical considerations apart, there is really no reason to expect
much change.
While talismanic striker Aleksandar Duric was taken off in the
second half at Toa Payoh, it was only a precautionary measure, with
all the players facing a tight schedule.
It may be a different story for Liaoning, who were beaten at home
by Tampines Rovers side last Sunday.
This game will be no easier for the Chinese, and coach Ding Zhe
could well ring the changes in an attempt to hold their own against
the title-holders and maybe come off with a point at least.
The visitors know that will be a tall order, not least because the
squad has been whittled down by a spate of injuries and mentally
weakened by a difficult start to the campaign that has also seen
them sustain narrow losses to the Young Lions and Home
United.
After their home loss to Tampines, the coach explained that his
players are suffering from their desire to make up for lost time,
and have been compensating with some rushed patterns of play.
My players are young and sometimes they are overly anxious to
succeed, so they will need to show more patience, said Ding.
Strikers Yao Li and Zhu Kai have been struggling with injuries as
of late but both will be in the squad and could probably come on in
the second half, according to the clubs vice-chairman, Steven
Lee.
The coach told me he is aiming to take a point away from Choa Chu
Kang, he noted.
In Liaonings last appearance their inspirational defender Chen Bo
needed a heavy bandage to stem the flow of blood from a head
wound.
The utility player and former Sinchi man has since gone to get the
gash stitched up, but is such a key figure that Liaoning are likely
to risk him against SAFFC.
Chen will be playing, Lee reassured.
This game could be the one where the real Liaoning stands up to be
counted. At least the affable Ding certainly hopes so.
With another week to go before SAFFC's next AFC Cup match, they are
unlikely to be distracted. Even with another home game - against
the Korean Super Reds - to come after this one, the Warriors look
ready to take the Liaoning game in their stride.
Now that the forwards are starting to score regularly, the only
concern might be the defence which has leaked five goals in three
matches, perhaps giving Liaoning some cause for hope.
But with Razif Mahamud steadily recovering from injury, Bok can
look forward to a tough joust for places in central defence, which
has been filled by Kenji Arai and Daniel Bennett so far.
Regardless of the selection Bok names, one thing is assured -
Liaoning will continue its stiff introduction to S.League life
against top-drawer opponents, and the players will go into this
match with plenty to prove to themselves.