Buoyant Eagles to face resurgent Tanjong Pagar United

The Eagles will be hoping to soar higher the Singapore Premier league table as they lock horns with Tanjong Pagar United in the first of their two meetings in two weeks, starting on Sunday.

The Eagles returned to their winning ways with a resounding 3-1 victory over Balestier Khalsa last week, but the Jaguars showed they can also upset the form books when they beat Hougang United 4-1.

Noor Ali’s charges have already beaten Tanjong Pagar 2-1 in their season-opening clash, but he is under no illusion the match will be easy as they meet again at the Jurong East stadium.

“We are getting stronger, but it’s not going to be an easy game against Tanjong Pagar. They have quality players and have shown it by beating Hougang 4-1. We want to focus on a game at a time. We will try hard to get another three points,” said Noor.

They will be up against an in-form Reo Nishiguchi and Luiz Junior, who scored in their win last weekend. But with a defence marshalled by captain Yuki Ichikawa and shored by Afiq Yunos and Abdil Qaiyyim now, they are likely to have their work cut out.

Matheus Moresche, who enjoyed an opening brace against Tanjong Pagar in his league debut, will be ready to weave his samba magic again as he looks forward to another pulsating clash away from home.

“I’m enjoying my football with Geylang, and I’m ready to play well again. Geylang boleh!” said the Brazilian, who is currently the club’s leading goal scorer with nine goals, followed by Amy Recha, who scored twice against Balestier Khalsa last Sunday to bring his goal tally for the Eagles to six.

Meanwhile, two matches for the Eagles have been rescheduled. The match against Hougang United will be brought forward from August 21 to August 20 because of the postponed National Day celebrations while the derby clash between Tampines Rovers has been rescheduled to Aug 25 owing to the Stag’s exertions at the Asian Champions League.