Ahead of tonight's clash against Tampines Rovers at the Bishan Stadium, Home United coach Aidil Sharin is deeply concerned about his team's lack of competitive action during a one-month break for Cup and international matches.

The Protectors were last in action on Aug 12 when they lost to Hougang United 2-4.

Concerned that his team will show signs of rust tonight, Aidil said: "I'm quite worried because the last match we played didn't end on a high note. And to build up the team spirit again after such a loss in that one month was not easy, but we did the best we can.

"When players regularly play matches, they naturally build momentum but we lack that now.

"Tampines have an advantage because they played in the Singapore Cup and also had a few players playing for the national team. They might feel fatigued but they're still ready to play."

The former Home and national defender's two matches in charge of the Protectors so far produced mixed results.

Before falling to Hougang, a 3-0 debut victory over arch-rivals Warriors the week prior saw the 39-year-old kick off his reign on a high note.

Home lie sixth on 25 points, seven points away from third-placed DPMM but with games in hand.

Aidil, who took over the Protectors' reins two months ago from Phillipe Aw, said: "I'm not satisfied with just that one win so far, no coach would be.

"You've to produce results as quickly as you can but I took over the team at the last minute. The players still have to get used to my style and I need to know some of them better so it won't be so easy.

"Both teams need to win. (Second-placed) Tampines have to catch up to Albirex (Niigata) while we've to catch up to Geylang (International), Hougang and (DPMM). But the three points is not going to be easy and we're the underdogs."

Yogaraj Panditurai