Top of the PFL table clash as Kaya, Meralco tangle

In the last meeting between the two teams, Jordan Mintah was sent off.

The top two teams right now in the Philippines Football League are set to face off tonight at the Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Although level on points at 27, Kaya FC-Makati totes a superior advantage in goal difference with a +11 compared to +5, but FC Meralco Manila has played one less game, 13 compared to 14. Form is contrasting, with Kaya coming off an undefeated July, while the Sparks have won just one game in the last four.

Addressing the media pre-match on Friday, Kaya head coach Noel Marcaida says that the team is looking forward to bounce back and grab the three points. Goal-scoring machine Jordan Mintah echoed that sentiment by insisting, "We are going to get the points."  The visitors were held to a 1-1 draw against Stallion Laguna FC, snapping their five-match winning streak.

Reflecting on the upcoming matchup, Marcaida believes that the team that will work collectively will claim the victory. Mintah adds that he credits the team for his recent impressive form.

Marcaida's counterpart, Aris Caslib, says that even with the loss against Global Cebu, the team is on the way up after the departure of the Younghusbands from the team. Joaco Canas echoed that sentiment, being encouraged with the team's performance in spite of the defeat. The defender also acknowledged that the match between the rivals will be a tough one.

Caslib highlighted stopping Kaya's attack as a point of emphasis, especially with the return of Miguel Tanton, who missed out on their first meeting. "I think the presence of Miguel for Kaya creates a different picture on the way Kaya will play. It gives them good space to maneuver in the middle. We have to stop that," Aris says. He added that the three centerbacks (Milan, Lee, Joaco) should step up, they can contain the attacking combination [of Mintah and Robert Lopez Mendy].

The game against the Sparks kicks off what may be a very tough month for Kaya FC, with matches against Ceres-Negros, JPV Marikina, and Global Cebu in the horizon before the international break, but Marcaida downplayed the schedule, emphasizing the team's focus on the task at hand.

Kaya will not have Jovin Bedic later due to a card-related suspension, while the Sparks is expected to have everyone available, including Joaco, whose hamstring strain he says was effectively addressed by the team training staff in the run-up to this upcoming match.

If one is unable to watch it live at Rizal Memorial later tonight, there is a streaming video link below.



NOTES:

Instant motivation? Mintah was sent off in their last meeting due to a straight red card. His thoughts about that: "When I got the red card in the game against Meralco, I was so frustrated about it. But when I sat down to think about it, God knows the reason why it happened in the game. So you can see, once I came back from my suspension, you can see the blessing that was given to me."

Mintah on whether playing the Sparks without the Younghusbands is an advantage: "We don’t underrate any player on the field. We have to give respect to any player that enters the field. Without the Younghusbands they are doing well. When they played against Global they did very well. It’s not like they didn’t have chances to win the game. They have good talented young players. Without them (Younghusbands), they can still do something in the league."

More from Marcaida: When you talk about [Kaya] and [Meralco], it's about pride of the clubs, and pride of the cities.

Aside from the game tonight, there is another PFL matchup scheduled today. Global Cebu FC looks to consolidate their hold on third place and close in on the leaders, as they face Ilocos United FC at 4pm at the Cebu City Sports Complex.