Prematch Preview: DPMM vs Hougang UTD - SPL 24/25👀

Confaderal
May 24
4 min read

Submitted by: Confaderal | 24th May 2025

Ladies and gentlemen, football fanatics, and connoisseurs of SPL chaos – buckle up, because we're about to dissect Hougang United's final showdown with DPMM FC in what promises to be a glorious mess of time-wasting antics, questionable refereeing decisions, and at least one Azwan Ali yellow card (let's be real, probably two). As the curtain falls on the 2024/25 SPL season, our beloved Cheetahs have one last chance to sink their claws into DPMM before they scuttle off to Malaysia – but will it be a triumphant roar or another 'typical Hougang' faceplant? From Farshad Noor's personal foul collection to Davis Ikaunieks' suspiciously good form, from the Hougang Hools' deafening chants to DPMM's patented 'cramp-and-roll' delaying tactics – we're breaking down every glorious, frustrating detail of why this match matters, why it shouldn't, and why we'll all be screaming at our screens regardless. Grab your teh tarik and your blood pressure medication – this is Hougang vs DPMM, the final chapter.

Content

Introduction: The Stakes Could Not Be Higher
Season Recap: The Rollercoaster Journey
Head-to-Head History: A Fiery Rivalry
DPMM’s Dirty Tactics: The Azwan & Farshad Discipline Crisis
Tactical Breakdown: How Hougang Can Win
Key Player Battles: Who Will Decide the Game?
The X-Factors: Crowd, Pitch, and Referee Influence
Match Prediction & Final Thoughts

1. The Stakes Could Not Be Higher

This is it. The final match of the Singapore Premier League 2024/25 season, and for Hougang United, it’s the last chance to salvage pride, finish strong, and send DPMM packing with a loss before they depart for the Malaysian Super League.

For the Hougang Hools, this isn’t just another game—it’s a statement. A chance to prove that even in a turbulent season, the Cheetahs can roar when it matters most.

2. Szn Recap: The Rollercoaster Journey

Hougang’s Season in a Nutshell

Highs: The 5-1 demolition of DPMM, thrilling comebacks, and moments of brilliance.
Lows: Injuries, suspensions, and maddening inconsistency.
Final Standings: 7th place—not what we hoped for, but not the worst.

DPMM’s Surprising Surge

From mid-table obscurity to title disruptors in the second half of the season.
Key to their success: Davis Ikaunieks’ goals, Oliveira & Gama’s speed, and shocking defensive resilience.
But their dark side? Time-wasting, tactical fouls, and a league-high yellow card count.

3. Head-to-Head History: A Fiery Rivalry

A look back at the last five clashes:

Date	Competition	Result	Key Moment
May 2025	SPL	HOU 5-1 DP	Hougang’s attacking masterclass
Apr 2025	Singapore Cup	DP 4-3 HOU	Late drama, DPMM steals it
Jul 2024	SPL	1-1 Draw	Missed penalties, frustration

Trends:

Hougang dominates at home.
DPMM’s last away win vs Hougang? 2023.
Stoppage time antics: DPMM averages +6 minutes when leading.

4. DPMM’s Dirty Tactics: The Azwan & Farshad Discipline Crisis

If DPMM has one glaring weakness, it’s their lack of discipline.

2024/25 Disciplinary Records (Top Offenders)

Player	Yellow Cards	Red Cards	Fouls/Game
Azwan Ali	9	1	2.8
Farshad Noor	9	0	3.1
Miguel Oliveira	5	1	1.9

Why This Matters for Hougang:

Target Azwan & Farshad early. Get them on a yellow, and their aggression drops.
Exploit set-pieces. DPMM’s foul-prone midfield gives away dangerous free-kicks.

5. Tactical: How Hougang Can Win

DPMM’s Biggest Weaknesses

Goalkeeper glued to his line → Chip shots & near-post finishes work.
Full-backs don’t overlap → Double up on wings, isolate center-backs.
Struggle under high press → Force errors, disrupt their counters.

Hougang’s Ideal Game Plan

Start fast. An early goal forces DPMM to play football, not time-waste.
Dominate midfield. Without Azwan & Farshad at full intensity, DPMM’s engine room weakens.
Use the crowd. The Hougang Hools can make Our Tampines Hub a fortress.

6. Key Player Battles

Hougang Player	DPMM Player	Who Wins?
Midfield General	Azwan Ali (Card Magnet)	Hougang if they draw fouls
Pacey Winger	DPMM’s Defensive Full-Back	Advantage Hougang
Set-Piece Specialist	Naumovski (GK)	Low-driven crosses could beat him

7. The X-Factors

The Hougang Hools – 12th man advantage. Can they rattle DPMM?
Artificial Pitch – Faster gameplay suits Hougang’s pressing.
Referee Watch – A strict ref = DPMM in trouble.

8. Match Prediction & Final Thoughts

Most Likely Outcome: 2-1 Hougang Win

DPMM scores first, but Hougang fights back late.
Red Card Alert: Azwan Ali (Would anyone be surprised?)

Alternative Scenario: If DPMM time-wastes successfully, 1-1 draw.

Conclusion: One Last Chance

This is it. The final whistle of the SPL 2024/25 season, and for Hougang United, the last opportunity to leave a mark. No more second chances. No more "next games." Just 90 minutes (plus stoppage time, thanks to DPMM’s antics) to prove that this season, despite its ups and downs, ends with pride.

For the Hougang Hools, for the players, for everyone who bleeds orange and black—this is our moment. Let’s make it count.

#1H1H 🐆

DPMM vs Hougang Quick Report:

- Last game ofthe season!

- Dangermen: Miguel Oliveira, Azwan Ali, Davis Ikaunieks, Gabriel Gama.

- New OTH turf.

- Jovan Mugosa injured, Daniel Henrique injured.

- Score first and the game will be played on our terms. Otherwise, get ready for a long game of feigning injuries from the DPMM side.

— Tune in to the "Upcoming" section of our homepage after the matchday to see the latest scores. Or follow our 'hougang_hools' instagram page or 'Hougang United FC Supporters Club' to see snippets or updates on latest scores. All images used are stocks or from the hougang united instagram page unless otherwise stated.

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