Albirex Niigata vs Hougang United 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 Hougang United at the Jurong East Stadium. Albirex Niigata, who won back-to-back SPL titles, are far from what they used to be, but we expect them to see off the visiting team.

The hosts began their SPL journey with a defeat on the road against Albirex Niigata. Despite winning before the break, the hosts responded three times to secure the maximum points. 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 Cheetahs march here with a heavy defeat against Lion City on their ground. Hougang United suffered their first defeat of the season, conceding four while scoring once. 

Hougang United head into this campaign after wrapping up the league in 6th place. Hougang United scored the second-fewest goals (37) in the SPL and conceded the fourth-most goals (57). Hougang United were one of the worst teams in the division despite finishing 6th on the log, and we are not sure they’ll go far this time. The Cheetahs have spent a lot this campaign and have more than seven foreign players in their squad. 

Over their last twenty meetings, Hougang United have managed four wins while Albirex Niigata have won ten and six games ending in a deadlock. Albirex Niigata have dominated this encounter over the years but head here after some massive shake ups within the team, which led to the release of almost twenty players and replacing them with less-quality players. At the same time, Hougang United began their season with a heavy defeat against Lion City, conceding four and scoring once. They lost against a well-coached team, but we think they were not really bad. 

Even though the hosts are the favourite, we expect the visitors to fight here; bet on an away win or draw and BTTS for 4.20.

We think both teams might settle for a halftime stalemate here for 2.94.

We expect to see both teams get a goal and score more than two goals for 1.60.

Good luck!