PFL resumes with Stallion visiting FC Meralco Manila

Spark Jinggoy Valmayor lets fly against Stallion.

The Philippines Football League returns to action this afternoon with FC Meralco Manila hosting Stallion Laguna FC at 4pm.

The international break provided an opportunity for the Sparks to pause and reflect after their dramatic 2-1 loss to Kaya FC-Makati last September 30. In spite of that setback, however, they still remain ahead in the standings with 44 points in 21 matches.

Stallion bounced back from being housed 4-0 by Kaya with a 2-2 draw against Davao Aguilas FC. The point moved them level with idle JPV Marikina at 27, but their inferior goal difference puts them in sixth overall. Both teams are seven points behind Global Cebu FC in the fourth and final postseason slot.

Depth will pose a slight bit of concern for FC Meralco Manila as Neil Dorimon, Joaco Canas, and Alvin Sarmiento are suspended due to card accumulation, although Milan Nikolic will be returning to action. Also suspended for that instance is Balot Doctora, but Stallion will look at Carlo Polli, Gabriele Mascazzini and Jhanjhan Melliza to take the cudgels in his stead.

The visitors have yet to beat the hosts in the inaugural PFL season, losing both its matches at Binan, 5-1 and 3-2, while managing to secure a 1-1 draw at Rizal Memorial Football Stadium.

Tickets are available at the gate for PhP 20 for bleachers, PhP 50 for grandstand, and PhP 200 for VIP grandstand. In addition, if one can't get to the game, one can also take advantage of the streaming link below.



Notes from the Pre-Match Press Conference yesterday afternoon at Rizal Memorial

The two protagonists for this afternoon's PFL matchup

Melliza is not expected to start for Stallion, per CEO Ernie Nierras, as he has just arrived from national team duties.

Nierras: The players are in high spirits and rested. We have been changing how we play and it's a work in progress. But we have been able to execute new tactics in training.

Nierras: Referee in their 2-2 draw vs Davao made a telling call (penalty secured a draw for the Aguilas in second half injury time). League must look into potential conflict of interest involving officials (Ref worked at The Younghusband Football Academy)

Nierras: In these last six matches, we need to get 18 points. I feeel we are out of the competition if we draw or lose any of our remaining games.

Stallion player Jay Shaun Soberano: We have been doubling our efforts in preparation for this game.

Aris Caslib: We want three points this weekend. We want a good rebound after our last game, a loss to Kaya. We scored early, but we need to manage the end game.

Caslib believes JhanJhan Melliza will play, so they will have to stretch ourselves.

Caslib: Franco de la Torre is coming in so we have flexibility in the middle. Dela Torre is coming over from the Davao Aguilas. He used to play

FC Meralco Manila defender Milan Nikolic: I don't remember the last time we had a full squad. I am not afraid. I'm pretty sure we will get three points.