Can Timor Leste make a surprise against Singapore?

Timor Leste has yet to get its first point at the ASEAN Cup 2024 after two consecutive defeats. In the third match, Timor Leste will face Singapore at 5:30 p.m. today, December 14.

Coach Simon's goal is to continue to improve his players' playing style and aim to score points against the Lion Island team.

This is a challenging task as Singapore is rated higher. Besides, the competition density and constant travel certainly have a significant impact on the physical foundation of Timor Leste players.

Meanwhile, Singapore started the 2024 ASEAN Cup smoothly with 3 points won against Cambodia. However, from a professional perspective, the mark that coach Tsugomu Orura's students have not left too much.

To advance, Singapore needs to consolidate its position and ranking before entering the decisive matches against Malaysia and Thailand.

Force information

26-year-old striker Joao Pedro was the most outstanding player in Timor Leste's attack and contributed 1 goal and 1 assist in the match against Malaysia.

Paulo Gali was unable to make it to the last minute but Timor Leste played quite successfully in the match against Malaysia thanks to their spirit and determination. Coach Simon Elissetche can continue to put his faith in the pillars such as Xavier, Pedro, Soares and Costa.

Coach Tsugomu Orura has a full squad but needs to make adjustments in midfield to improve Singapore's attacking efficiency.

32-year-old winger Faris Ramli has the ability to accelerate and take advantage of opportunities well, scoring his first goal in this year's tournament.

The strikers who can take the starting position include Baharudin, Shahiran, Harun and Suparno.

Head to head and form

Singapore and Timor Leste have only met twice and the Lion Island team has won both times. Singapore is currently rated higher than Timor Leste in terms of both form and squad quality.

Timor Leste returns to Hang Day Stadium to play as hosts but has almost no advantage over Singapore. On the contrary, coach Simon Elissetche will have to deal with the physical problem due to the match density and constant travel. It will be difficult for Timor Leste to avoid a third defeat but they will try not to lose by too much of a margin.

Expected lineup

-Timor Leste (5-4-1):Georgino; Quintao - Francisco - Soares - Viegas - Olagar; Osorio - Xavier - da Costa - Zenivio; Pedro.

- Singapore (4-1-4-1):Mahbudl; Najeeb - Lionel - Baharudin - Van Huizen; Shahiran; Kweh - Harin - Nakamura - Ramli; Suparno.