Tampines Rovers Target 2019 Title

Tampines Rovers kick off their 2019 Singapore Premier League Campaign this evening against another title contender Hougang United. After an opening day shock defeat for reigning champions Albirex, this year's SPL title looks up for grabs and Tampines will be looking to add to their five titles this year.

Tampines had already been touted as one of the title favourites this year before their pre-season 4-0 demolition of Albirex and incredible display against Yangon United confirmed that they are perhaps the most likely to benefit from an Albirex decline. Tampines looked confident and calm during their trip to Myanmar, even when they went behind in the first half. The Stags dominated possession and played an attractive style of play that is likely to cause many teams problems in the SPL this season.

Tampines have been one of the most consistent teams in recent SPL seasons, finishing second in 3 out of the last four seasons. A big reason behind this is the consistency of their playing squad. Unlike other chairmen, Desmond Ong has been keen to hand out multi-year contracts to his best players. This has resulted in a team made up of experienced SPL players who understand each other well and know what their own roles and responsibilities are, . Canadian Jordan Webb, who will be playing in his 10th season in Singapore, typifies this continuity and stability. The skillful winger has been giving defenders nightmares throughout his time in the SPL. Webb's first 2 seasons in Singapore were with Sunday's opponents Hougang, for whom he netted 33 goals, a fact that is sure to add spice to the game on Sunday. Tampines look to be relying on Ryutaro Megumi and Khairul Amri for goals again this season, the Japanese forward, who often plays in a wide position, will be turning out for his third consecutive season for the Stags. He will be hoping to add to his disappointing goal return last year and has already looked sharp in front of goal, scoring the third on Tuesday. Singaporean international Amri adds more experience to the Tampines front line, the 33 year old was top scorer for the Stags last year, finishing with 15 goals in the SPL. However, it is the sight of 41 year old Daniel Bennett lining up in the heart of the Stags defence that serves as the clearest example of the faith that Tampines are placing in experience this year. Bennett was born in the British seaside town of Great Yarmouth but grew up in Singapore and has gone on to make a record 142 appearances for the Singapore National Team. Tampines is the 7th Singaporean team that Bennett has played for, having notched up 380 appearances and 5 S-league titles over his 23 year career. The veteran centre back has clearly lost a bit of pace but his ability to read the game seems to give him an extra yard when he needs it. Bennett's decline has been predicted often over the last few seasons and Tampines reliance on older players may be a concern but, as Tampines Coach Gavin Lee told Fox Sports, "Bennett and Webb are as good as any player in their positions in the local game and we wouldn’t sign them if we didn’t think they can contribute. Besides their abilities, they are great leaders to those learning the ropes." Sunday's game will demonstrate whether Webb and Bennett are still able to match the high standard they have shown in previous years or if age is beginning to catch up.

However, it's wrong to suggest that Tampines have placed all their trust in experience for this campaign. The Stags have signed a number of exciting youngsters including Serbian midfielder Zehrudin Mehmedovic who has already shown a knack for goals with his poacher's effort against Yangon last week. Mehmedovic's youthful reactions and pace helped him score against Yangon as he was first to react to Megumi's hilariously skewed effort and showed great strength to get to the rebound before the defenders. The 20 year old looks like a player who can provide the creativity in the middle of the park for Tampines, his quick feet and great decision making was evident in Myanmar last week and it will be interesting to see how he gets on in his first league game this season. Mehmedovic is joined by compatriot Mirza Delimedjac who is the more defensively minded of the two Eastern European players, the two could compliment each other well if Lee decides to start them both on Sunday. The signing that has really captured the minds of Tampines fans and caused a buzz in the local media is that of 18 year old Singaporean Joel Chew. Many in Singapore have identified him as a future star of Singapore football but Lee has looked to clam things down by saying “Many are raving about Joel’s talent and potential but we need to be careful with expectations and give him every chance to succeed". I'm looking forward to seeing the youngster in action on Sunday to see what all the fuss is about.

Sunday's game at Jalan Besar Stadium pits the newly assembled Hougang Squad, full of exciting signings this year, against the well established experience of Tampines. It will be intriguing to see if Hougang can gel together quick enough to cope with a Tampines side that know their roles in the team and, more importantly, know what to expect from their teammates. I expect a close, fascinating game between these two title contenders.

You can read more about Tampines' opening day opponents here https://dunkerleykevin83.wixsite.com/sgfootball/post/hopes-high-for-hougang-united-as-they-look-to-bounce-back-against-tampines-rovers and can follow me on Twitter @kevindunkerley for the latest updates on football in Singapore and around Asia.

Thanks for reading.