Sparks eye lead vs Aguilas

Match today (Davao Sports Complex, Tagum) 4 p.m. – Davao Aguilas vs FC Meralco Manila

FC Meralco Manila seeks to wrest the lead as it plays new-look Davao Aguilas in the Philippines Football League (PFL) at Davao del Norte Sports Complex in Tagum City today.

The Sparks (24 points) shoot for the maximum points after dropping points in a 2-2 draw with Global last week in an effort to dislodge idle Kaya FC Makati (27) from the top of the heap.

Davao (five markers) continues to hunt for its first win after five draws and six losses with new acquisitions Jason de Jong, Matt Hartmann, Nick O’ Donnell, Azkal Simone Rota, Tagum native U22 player Raymart Cubon and Jorrel Aristorenas now on board.

“If we can organize our set piece and our transition defense, then we could have a good result,” said Meralco coach Aris Caslib.

He is wary of the new signings of Davao, which in their last meeting in Tagum forced them to a 2-2 standoff.

“Davao’s new signings will be very helpful to them,” said Caslib, who will lean on Phil and James Younghusband for the leadership.

Centerback Joaco Canas sits this one out for Meralco due to accumulated yellow cards but midfielder Daniel Gadia and goalkeeper Ace Villanueva returns to action after a stint with the Philippine U-22 team.