Tampines Rovers vs Albirex Niigata Prediction: This game will produce goals

On Sunday, Tampines Rovers will kick off their season with a matchup against Tampines Rovers at the Jalan Besar Stadium. After a disappointing ending last season, the hosts will be keen to finish strong this season and probably challenge for the SPL title. At the same time, the White Swans will strive to defend their title even though they currently lack the resources to compete at the highest level.

The Stags, who missed out on the title following their run of five games with just a win towards the end of last season, will strive to compete again this campaign. Tampines Rovers finished in third spot for the second consecutive season, trailing Lion City with six points.

Tampines Rovers have strengthened their squad in the transfer window and look pretty solid on paper going into the league. 

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 pounced 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. 

Over their last twenty meetings, Albirex Niigata have managed eight wins while Tampines Rovers have won six and six games, ending in a deadlock. The hosts have been consistent in the league over the years but have not won the league for eleven years. Tampines Rovers were unlucky last season despite their solid start. However, they are fully prepared after keeping all their key players and also strengthening their squad. On the opposing end, the White Swans have had some massive shakeups within the team during the offseason, 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. 

Tampines Rovers will likely take advantage of their opponent and have been weakened by the new league policy; we expect the hosts to win here for 1.85.

We expect an open halftime with more than a goal before the break for 1.96.

This game is evenly contested, and we think the visitors might get a goal or two here; bet on BTTS and over 2.5 goals for 1.76.

Good luck!