SINGAPORE - The Lion City Sailors know they have messed up. But the errors that have led to them dropping the ball in their defence of the Singapore Premier League (SPL) title, no longer matter.

What matters, said interim head coach Luka Lalic, is to prove to everyone - including themselves - that they are not no-hopers, even as three losses on the bounce have left them on the brink of losing their crown.

A fourth straight loss to league leaders Albirex Niigata at the Jalan Besar Stadium on Friday night will see the Japanese side seal the title.

"We are, I think, at the moment, more motivated than ever, since I took over the team, to produce a good result," said Lalic, who took the helm a day after Kim Do-hoon left the club by mutual consent on Aug 11.

"The general public may now have a perception about what type of team the Lion City Sailors have become, but I think the boys are hungry to show that this is not reality."

Things appeared rosy for the Sailors just six weeks ago, when they were three points clear of Albirex at the top of the table with a superior goal difference of 14.

But then came a dramatic slide in form and reverses to Geylang International (3-1), Tampines Rovers (2-1) and perhaps most shockingly second-from-bottom Balestier Khalsa (5-3) last week.

Lalic said the team have taken a hard look at themselves in the mirror and he believes they are ready to move on from the disappointments.

"What I am pleased with is that the players have taken ownership... Yes we made mistakes and the reaction to these mistakes and goals conceded will be self-doubt. It's natural.

"But we've acknowledged what has happened, closed that chapter and are ready to start a new one," said the 35-year-old.

After a training session the Jalan Besar Stadium on Wednesday morning, Lalic delivered a speech to lift the players and his message appeared to rouse them.

Sailors midfielder Adam Swandi said: "We take the losses together as a whole club and it's now not a matter of 'what went wrong'.

"We have a chance to redeem ourselves and to keep the title race going. This team has the capacity to do that. If we go into the game with our heads up, we know we have the quality to get a good result."

The form book, however, suggests it is a tall task. Albirex have lost only one of their last 24 matches and are unbeaten in all three prior meetings between the two teams this term (one win, two draws).

The challenge for Sailors is made even harder with the absence of first-choice centre back pairing Hariss Harun (suspended) and Pedro Henrique (injured).

Amirul Adli, who had a torrid time in the last meeting with Albirex in July which the White Swans won 4-2, will likely partner midfielder M. Anumanthan, or 21-year-old rookie Bill Mamadou at the heart of defence.

Lalic brushed aside his defensive headache, saying he believed in the quality of the replacements as they try and repel the scintillating Albirex trio of Kodai Tanaka (28 goals), Ilhan Fandi (15) and ex-Japan striker Tadanari Lee (10).

Instead of worrying about his team's defensive frailties, he is focused on seizing the initiative, adding that he felt the Sailors had set up too cautiously in previous meetings with Albirex this term.

"But in this case, we will try to have as much of the ball as possible to control it and see what kind of damage we can do.

"The bottom line is they have to defend the result and we are the ones who have to chase and get the win," said Lalic.

He added: "We will do whatever it takes to win this game. Everybody here, from the kitman to junior players to senior players, management and myself, is clear that this is a do-or-die game.

"We cannot leave the field without either the win, or having given 120 per cent. That's what I have asked for and that's what the fans will see this Friday."

Hougang v Tampines (Saturday, 5.30pm, Hougang)

A Tampines win could see the Stags, who have quietly gone five games unbeaten, seal a third-place finish.

Hougang, however, should be lifted after they held Albirex 1-1 last week. Their Brazilian attacking duo of Pedro Bortoluzo and ex-Crystal Palace man Andre Moritz linking up well.

Young Lions v Balestier (Saturday, 5.30pm, Jalan Besar)

Even though this is a battle between the bottom teams, a win for wooden spoonists Young Lions will be considered an upset.

Not only have Balestier won all three previous meetings between the teams this season, but they are also on a high after shocking last year's champions Lion City Sailors 5-3 last week.

Geylang v Tanjong Pagar (Sunday, 5.30pm, Our Tampines Hub)

Tanjong Pagar have won their last two games - albeit against Balestier and the Young Lions - with an aggregate score of 11-2.

The fourth-placed Jaguars are aiming to finish the season as strongly as they started it - they were unbeaten for nine matches - as they hope to snatch third place from Tampines.

Geylang, in fifth, have a slim chance of finishing third themselves, and will rely on in-form French attacking midfielder Vincent Bezecourt for inspiration in front of goal.

Permutations

1. If Albirex win,

They win the title.

2. If Sailors win,

They still trail Albirex by one point.

If Sailors go on to win their two remaining matches (Tanjong Pagar, then Young Lions), Albirex need to win both of theirs to take the title (Geylang, then Tampines).

The Sailors can also claim the title by winning one of their two games, but only if Albirex fail to win either of theirs.

3. If it ends in a draw,

Albirex can still win the league by matching the Sailors’ result next week.