New-look Aguilas set to host Sparks on PFL Saturday

FC Meralco Manila striker Phil Younghusband with Davao midfielder Nate Burkey.

The Davao del Norte Sports Complex will be hosting FC Meralco Manila as they aspire to retake the lead in Philippines Football League against home side Davao Aguilas FC this weekend.

The last time both teams faced off down south, The Sparks' undefeated season took a dent, as the Aguilas forced a 2-2 draw. Since then, the Sparks have had a mixed form, winning just two of its last five matches and got battered by Ceres-Negros, 7-0. As for the Mindanao-based side, they still have not yet logged a single win this season, losing three of its last four completed matches.

Matthew Hartmann

In addition, Davao has decided to upgrade its roster, taking full advantage of the PFL's transfer window. Matthew Hartmann and Harry Sawyer made their debut against Ceres-Negros at Panaad Stadium last week, with Nick O'Donnell on the substitutes' bench. They have also entered into agreements with ertswhile Ceres players Jason de Jong, Jorrel Aristorenas, and Simone Rota, while also snapping up Reymart Cubon from Kaya FC's B-team, although it remains to be seen if all four will be cleared to play in time for the match. It also looks like Gilmar has departed from the club, considering this tweet below.

Gracias @davaoaguilasfc 🔴🔵🦅 pic.twitter.com/qCIQeaBuwF

— Gilmàrio (@GilmarDiSilva) July 27, 2017

Aris Caslib's defense will be affected by the absence of Joaco Cañas, who will be observing a one-match suspension due to accumulated yellow cards. The Sparks will also kick off a stretch of three games in eight days, with matches against Global-Cebu FC and Kaya FC at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium in the horizon.

Both teams will have the benefit of having key players return from the Philippines' U-23 team that took part in the AFC U-23 Qualifiers. Daniel Gadia and Ace Villanueva return to action for FC Meralco Manila, while Dylan De Bruycker, Jordan Jarvis, and Junjun Talaroc comprise the key cogs coming back for the Aguilas, along with Cubon.

Tickets for the match will be available at the gate. Kickoff is slated at 4pm.