Uttar Pradesh Wizards host leaders Jaypee Punjab Warriors in HIL
Lucknow, February 3 (IANS)
Comfortably resting atop the pool standings, Jaypee Punjab Warriors are keen to take on Uttar Pradesh Wizards in the Hockey India League (HIL) here on Wednesday.
Motivated by their 3-2 victory against the Wizards previously, the Warriors will be eyeing their second consecutive win against the home team and further add five points to their tally to retain their position on the table.
While the Warriors have had a good run till now, they aspire to keep the momentum. With the support of Affan Yousuf, S.V. Sunil and Jake Whetton in the forward line, the Warriors will try to snatch away the points from their opponents.
Sitting at the apex of the goal scorer's list with five, Sandeep Singh will want to continue his feat and yet again come out as the highest goal scorer of HIL like the last two seasons. Captain Jamie Dwyer leads from the front along with Goalkeeper of the Year Jaap Stockmann.
On the other side, coached by Roelant Oltmans, the Wizards are aiming to win in order to make up for the previous loss. They presently sit in second position with 14 points.
With the likes of V.R. Raghunath, S.K. Uthappa, Ramandeep Singh, Eddie Ockenden, Jeroen Hertzberger and David Alegre, the Uttar Pradesh-outfit will not be in a mood to give in to the visiting team easily.
Furnishing full support at the back, India goalkeeper P.R. Sreejesh will be at his best while guarding the net. Meanwhile drag-flicker Raghunath has to his credit three goals and will be the player to look out for.
“I am very impressed with the way our team has been performing. Our defence skills are a huge strength. We have improved with every game and are a much better team now. We have sustained great momentum since the start and look forward to keep that going,” Dwyer said.