Yee Chun Leong
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
Pictures: Courtesy of Singapore Premier League
DPMM FC have their eyes set on snapping Albirex Niigata FC (S)’s 45-game unbeaten streak at the Jurong East Stadium when they face off in the Singapore Premier League tomorrow night.
The leaders are unbeaten so far in this year’s campaign, with eight wins and two draws, and are hoping to send the White Swans to their first defeat in all competitions at home in three and a half years.
The last time the two sides met saw the game finish 0-0 despite DPMM FC playing with 10 men for almost 40 minutes on March 15.
DPMM FC midfielder Blake Ricciuto believes that they have got what it takes to upend the three-time defending champions this time around.
“We spoke about it and we know they have a 45-game unbeaten streak at the Jurong East Stadium and there is no better time to get them,” said Ricciuto in an interview with BruSports News yesterday.
“We are quite confident in our own ability and at the moment we are probably the strongest we have been.
“We’re looking forward to it as this is the best time to snap that streak.
“We played with 10 men for almost 40 minutes but they didn’t have clear cut chances while we had some half chances,” he added.
“This time I think it will be a tough game again as they are a good team and play good football as do we.
“We have prepared correctly and are fit. We know what is at stake and it is an important game for everyone
“We are not overconfident but our expectations are to win each time we step on the pitch,” continued the 26-year-old.
DPMM FC will be without brothers Azizi and Azwan Ali Rahman as well as Nur Ikhwan Othman for the encounter.
Riciutto assures that the others who are set to take their place are more than ready.
“That is a big loss as they have been playing good football. They bring something different to the team and their work rate has been exceptional,” said the Australian.
“They are in a different class whenever they are on the ball. We will miss them but I believe who ever steps into that role will do their job
“The team is full of quality players and the success so far is because we are as a team are united. Every single player has done exceptionally well so far,” he added.
“We need to keep going and working hard to achieve our main objective of a championship at the end of the season.
“But for now the main focus is Albirex and all we are thinking about is the three points away from home,” he continued.
Kick off is at 8.30pm.
Ricciuto credits team for Player of the Month award.
Ricciuto was voted the Singapore Premier League Player of the Month for April and also won the Goal of the Month - for his long range strike against Balestier Khalsa FC.
Regardless, the Australian credited his team for the individual accolades.
“Obviously it feels good to be the player of the month for April. But I believe that the whole squad deserve this award because of their stand out performance,” said Ricciuto.
“Every player that has been part of the team has done an excellent job.
“I got picked for the award but so many players in the squad could have gotten the it because it is a great start to the season for DPMM FC and credit goes to the whole squad,” he concluded.
