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

On Saturday, Albirex Niigata will square off against Brunei DPMM United at the Jurong East Stadium. Albirex Niigata, who won back-to-back SPL titles, are far from what they used to be, while the visitors will be poised to continue their positive start to the season.

The hosts began their SPL journey with a defeat on the road against Albirex Niigata. However, they bounced back with a win over Hougang United on their ground. They managed just three shots at goal, while the visitors fired fifteen shots without finding the back of the net. It was a great defensive shift for the White Swans, who were reduced to ten men after the break. Albirex Niigata have been below par in recent games as they are being affected by the new SPL rule. 

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. 

The guests began their journey with a (1-2) victory over Young Lions on the road. They returned from a goal down to secure the maximum points against a poorly organised team. 

The visitors are determined to prove themselves in this competition after their terrible performance last campaign. Brunei DPMM wrapped up their SPL campaign in the 7th spot, which happened to be their worst ever since 2017. Brunei DPMM had the fourth-best defensive record, conceding forty-three times. 

Over their last twenty meetings, Brunei DPMM have managed three wins while Albirex Niigata have won twelve and five games, ending in a deadlock. Albirex Niigata head here with another below-par performance, scoring once against an average Hougang side on their ground. Although it was a decent victory, they need to do better. At the same time, DPMM secured a well-deserved win over Young Lions, and they’ll be keen to keep up with their momentum here.

Since the hosts are weaker than the previous season, we believe anything can happen here. It’s not a game of goals as both teams will prioritise defence; bet on a total under 3.5 goals for 2.00.

We expect to see less than a goal before the break for 1.87.

This game will end in a draw in either half for 2.30.

Good luck!