Home United's bid to qualify for the knockout stages of the AFC Cup has been given a real boost following the postponement of Friday's S.League game against Balestier Khalsa.
Initially, the Protectors were to have only a three-day gap between that match and next Tuesday's AFC Cup game at home to Myanmar's Yadanarbon.
However, the Football Association of Singapore (FAS) confirmed on Wednesday evening that Home's meeting with the Cheetahs has now been shifted to May 2. It means they will now have 13 days to prepare for Yadanarbon since their previous outing -- last Sunday's 2-0 triumph over Hougang United in the S.League.
Aidil Sharin's charges, who are attempting to reach the knockout round of the AFC Cup for the first time since 2012, find themselves in a strong position.
After opening their campaign with a 1-0 loss to Yadanarbon, they recorded thrilling 3-2 and 5-4 victories over Vietnamese outfit Than Quang Ninh to go two points clear at the top of Group H.
Victory over their Myanmar opponents at Jalan Besar Stadium on Tuesday would be enough to seal their place in the ASEAN Zone semifinals.
Although no official reason was given by FAS for the postponement, ESPN FC understands that Home had requested the postponement in order to allow them maximum preparation time for their crucial clash with Yadanarbon.
The move is, however, likely the incur the ire of Tampines Rovers, Singapore's other representatives in the AFC Cup. Their coach Jurgen Raab has previously complained about fixture congestion as a key reason behind their relatively disappointing results in the competition thus far.
With two rounds left to play in Group G, Tampines find themselves bottom of the pile on three points, five behind leaders Ha Noi.
If the decision to postpone a league fixture was indeed motivated by a desire to aid Home in their continental aspirations, it means that the S.League has opted to follow in the footsteps of their regional counterparts by giving their clubs the best possible chance of doing the nation proud.
In recent years, both Thai and Vietnam league organisers have scheduled domestic games with their clubs' AFC commitments in mind.
This season alone, Ha Noi and Than Quang Ninh were both given the weekend off ahead of Matchdays 3 and 4 of the AFC Cup, instead playing their V.League 1 fixtures at a later date.
A post shared by Hassan Sunny (@hassansunny18) on
And, in a further boost to Home's chances, they are set to welcome back a host of key players by next week.
Winger Christopher van Huizen made a successful return from injury after coming on as a substitute against Hougang, while Singapore goalkeeper Hassan Sunny is a chance to reclaim his place in the side after missing out with a minor rib problem last weekend.
Defenders Afiq Yunos and Abdil Qaiyyim are two others who were not available last time out. But they could yet be back in time for Tuesday's meeting with Yadanarbon.