The Sparks face a stiff challenge when they travel south this afternoon for a pivotal clash against Stallion Laguna. Kickoff is slated for 4:00 pm at the Biñan Football Stadium and admission will be free for all spectators.
FC Meralco Manila is currently atop the Philippines Football League table while Laguna sits sixth, a full 16 points adrift. However, Stallion are one of the hottest teams in the league, owners of a five-match undefeated streak that has erased the memory of their slow start to the campaign.
Laguna have been buoyed by the return of Carlo Polli into their lineup while the arrival of another Swiss marksman, Gabriele Mascazzini, has only added sting to the Lagunense attack.
"They are on a roll, but I think we can have a good game with them," says Manila coach Aris Caslib. He adds, "The win (last Saturday), over Kaya has really improved the mindset of the players."
Caslib also notes the scoring prowess of their opponents this Saturday, "Jhan Jhan Melliza and Mascazzini are playing well but we cannot underestimate Polli and Balot Doctora."
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. On opening day Manila walloped Laguna in Biñan, 5-1. But in the return fixture in Rizal Memorial the Sparks were held to a 1-1 standoff thanks to a second-half equalizer from Melliza.
Sparks captain Simon Greatwich is also wary of the Stallion threat. The newly-minted skipper says, "Stallion are known for their good work rate, playing very physical, and being good in transition. They always make it difficult for us." He also adds, "But we will match their work rate and physicality."
Greatwich also noted that the side will have a full week to prepare for the game, unlike the two days of rest before their last encounter, a gutsy 2-1 win over Kaya on Saturday. "It's important for us to pick up maximum points while we are fresh," he says, whose squad faces another daunting stretch of matches after playing Stallion.
On August 16, the Sparks travel to Bacolod for a midweek game against Ceres-Negros FC before entertaining Ilocos United on the Sunday after. A weekday game versus JPV Marikina follows after that.
Meralco has no serious injury concerns as centerback Joaco Cañas, who missed the Kaya game, has recovered well from a sore hamstring. However, national team duties will force the team to play without Ace Villanueva and Daniel Gadia. Both players, alongside Ian Clarino, were called up to participate in the upcoming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Streaming link for the upcoming match this afternoon:
FC Meralco Manila is currently atop the Philippines Football League table while Laguna sits sixth, a full 16 points adrift. However, Stallion are one of the hottest teams in the league, owners of a five-match undefeated streak that has erased the memory of their slow start to the campaign.
Laguna have been buoyed by the return of Carlo Polli into their lineup while the arrival of another Swiss marksman, Gabriele Mascazzini, has only added sting to the Lagunense attack.
"They are on a roll, but I think we can have a good game with them," says Manila coach Aris Caslib. He adds, "The win (last Saturday), over Kaya has really improved the mindset of the players."
Caslib also notes the scoring prowess of their opponents this Saturday, "Jhan Jhan Melliza and Mascazzini are playing well but we cannot underestimate Polli and Balot Doctora."
This will be the third meeting between the two sides this season. On opening day Manila walloped Laguna in Biñan, 5-1. But in the return fixture in Rizal Memorial the Sparks were held to a 1-1 standoff thanks to a second-half equalizer from Melliza.
Sparks captain Simon Greatwich is also wary of the Stallion threat. The newly-minted skipper says, "Stallion are known for their good work rate, playing very physical, and being good in transition. They always make it difficult for us." He also adds, "But we will match their work rate and physicality."
Greatwich also noted that the side will have a full week to prepare for the game, unlike the two days of rest before their last encounter, a gutsy 2-1 win over Kaya on Saturday. "It's important for us to pick up maximum points while we are fresh," he says, whose squad faces another daunting stretch of matches after playing Stallion.
On August 16, the Sparks travel to Bacolod for a midweek game against Ceres-Negros FC before entertaining Ilocos United on the Sunday after. A weekday game versus JPV Marikina follows after that.
Meralco has no serious injury concerns as centerback Joaco Cañas, who missed the Kaya game, has recovered well from a sore hamstring. However, national team duties will force the team to play without Ace Villanueva and Daniel Gadia. Both players, alongside Ian Clarino, were called up to participate in the upcoming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur.
Streaming link for the upcoming match this afternoon:
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