ames Today
(University of Makati Field)
4 p.m. – Kaya vs Meralco
(Rizal Memorial Stadium)
4 p.m. – JPV vs Ceres
Longtime rivals Meralco-Manila and Kaya-Makati dispute the solo lead as action in the Philippines Football League resumes following the international break today at the University of Makati Field.
Fierce foes since the early years of the now-defunct United Football League, the two clubs stake their unbeaten marks in the match set at 4 p.m.
Meralco has won all four matches since the start of the season, and currently leads the eight-team league with 12 points while Kaya, two points behind, has yet to lose a match at its home pitch located along J.P. Rizal Extension.
“It’s going to be a good game this Saturday. We’re hoping to have a good match against Kaya, who is a counterattacking team,” said Meralco Aris Caslib. “We want to manage those things when we play against them, and we’re hoping for a good result.”
Phil Younghusband, who earlier this week scored the opening goal in the Philippine Azkals’ scary 4-3 victory over Tajikistan in the Asian Cup qualifiers, leads the Meralco attack while the Sparks parade new signing Tyler Matas on the defense.
Kaya will be led by the attacking duo of Jordan Mintah and Robert Lopez-Mendy but will be missing key midfielder Miguel Tanton to suspension because of accumulated cards.
Meanwhile, Ceres-Negros plays JPV-Marikina in the other match also set at 4 p.m. at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Ceres, two weeks removed from a 2-1 victory over arch-nemeses Global-Cebu in Bacolod City, looks to foil JPV’s bid for a third consecutive win.