Albirex Niigata vs Lion City Prediction: The home side are no longer the team they used to be

On Saturday, the winner of the Singapore Premier League will face off against the Singapore Cup winner at the Jurong East Stadium. Albirex Niigata, who won back-to-back SPL titles, will host Lion City at home tomorrow. 

The defending champions snatched the SPL under the watch of Lion City last season as they led with two points. Lion City's four games winless run towards the end of the season made the difference as Albirex bounced on the opportunity to unseat the former champions. Albirex Niigata have made some great signings and, at the same time, sold all their best players during the summer. 

After a disappointing season, which saw them lose the SPL title to Albirex Niigata for the second consecutive season, the Sailors consoled their fans by winning the Singapore FA Cup.

Lion City have been active during the past few weeks as they have signed four quality players and as well kept their key players. 

Over their last twenty meetings, Lion City have managed two wins while Albirex Niigata have won thirteen and five games ending in a deadlock. The White Swans have dominated this encounter over the years but head here after some massive shakeups within the team, which led to the release of almost twenty players and replacing them with less-quality players. Albirex Niigata are not allowed to sign players abroad and have been restricted to only five Japanese players since they are from Japan. At the same time, Lion City are buzzing with the arrival of four quality foreign players to boost their squad after a roller-coaster season. 

Albirex Niigata are on par with any other local teams as they are now predominantly composed of local players compared to previous years, when the players were mainly from Japan. Whether they can still taste success will depend on how fast and how well the local boys are able to adapt with the foreign Japanese players in the team. However, we expect the visitors to be at the top of their game here; bet on an away win for 1.88.

We also expect both teams to get a goal apiece before the break for 3.15.

We expect the guests to win before the break for 2.23.

Good luck!