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| Davao Aguilas vs FC Meralco Manila |
The 7pm kick-off will feature the much-anticipated return of the Younghusbands to face the team they used to play for the last six years.
Both sides are fresh from draws, as the Sparks snatched a point on the road at the CCSC against Global Cebu FC without scoring, while the Aguilas hosted Ceres-Negros FC for a 1-1 result that keeps them still without a victory in the PFL.
The hosts have won all three meetings this season, with the last meeting back in July at Tagum being the final game the Younghusbands would ever wear the orange kit. They are looking to strengthen their stranglehold atop the league, providing themselves just enough cushion against the contenders below them. On the other hand, the visitors still remain in seventh place, trying to fend off fellow newcomers Ilocos United FC in the battle at the bottom of the league.
Newly-minted head coach Marlon Maro gets to match wits once again with Aris Caslib. Both men are very familiar with each other's tactics and methods, having coaching backgrounds in the NCAA with CSB and San Beda, respectively.
Notes: Both Nate Burkey and Simon Greatwich are suspended for this particular matchup.
Quotes from the pre-match press conference:
Maro:
"We are coming out tomorrow for a win. The spirit is high, the mentality is positive, I can see the attitude in training that they really want to win."
"Tactically not much will change. We will just play to our strengths."
"We want to encourage our fans, but we have to win for them and the sponsors."
Phil Younghusband:
"We have the determination and motivation to win."
"James and I spent six years with Meralco. They weren't just teammates, everyone there were friends. But when we step across the white line it will be all about the team we are representing and we will do everything to make sure Davao wins."
"Before and after the game there will be some emotion when we see familiar faces but during the game there will be no love lost."
"We have the quality. We have a clear goal, structure, and organization. We've improved by leaps and bounds."
"Bojan has good size, experience, and knowledge. He will be a strong asset for us." (Bojan is Bojan Malisic, who made his PFL debut in their last match.)
"I know Aris likes to surprise teams and do something different (tactically). He does his homework and likes to go into detail.
Caslib:
"We have been competitors for a long time, but we are also very good friends off the pitch." (On the match-up against Maro)
"Phil Younghusband ever since has been all about quality. He is always consistent and we expect the same thing tomorrow."
"With Simon Greatwich suspended, we will rely on Anto Gonzales and Daniel Gadia to assist in the midfield. Tahj Minniecon can also help."
"Davao will play high and press us. They are dangerous in set pieces. We have to watch for Matt Hartmann on the break on the left side."
"Coach Marlon is a good manager with a lot of experience. He brings good man management to the table. It will be a tough match tomorrow."
Connor Tacagni: "We have huge respect for Phil and James and what they have done for Meralco and the national team."
"We have the quality. We have a clear goal, structure, and organization. We've improved by leaps and bounds."
"Bojan has good size, experience, and knowledge. He will be a strong asset for us." (Bojan is Bojan Malisic, who made his PFL debut in their last match.)
"I know Aris likes to surprise teams and do something different (tactically). He does his homework and likes to go into detail.
Caslib:
"We have been competitors for a long time, but we are also very good friends off the pitch." (On the match-up against Maro)
"Phil Younghusband ever since has been all about quality. He is always consistent and we expect the same thing tomorrow."
"With Simon Greatwich suspended, we will rely on Anto Gonzales and Daniel Gadia to assist in the midfield. Tahj Minniecon can also help."
"Davao will play high and press us. They are dangerous in set pieces. We have to watch for Matt Hartmann on the break on the left side."
"Coach Marlon is a good manager with a lot of experience. He brings good man management to the table. It will be a tough match tomorrow."
Connor Tacagni: "We have huge respect for Phil and James and what they have done for Meralco and the national team."
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