After a thumping 3-1 victory over arch-rivals Delhi Waveriders, Jaypee Punjab Warriors would look to carry on their winning momentum when they take on Kalinga Lancers in their Hockey India League match on Sunday.
Having won against Kalinga Lancers, Uttar Pradesh Wizards and Delhi Waveriders, the Mohali side are in their best form and are leading the league standings with 17 points. A win against home team Kalinga Lancers on Sunday will boost their confidence further.
On the other hand, Kalinga Lancers are playing two back-to-back matches this weekend against Uttar Pradesh Wizards on Friday and Jaypee Punjab Warriors.
After winning the inaugural match against Ranchi Rays, Kalinga Lancers lost their two away matches -- against Jaypee Punjab Warriors and Uttar Pradesh Wizards. They will have to capitalise their home advantage and continue their unbeaten run at their home turf to remain in the top four positions.
Star-studded Jaypee Punjab Warriors will have an extra advantage of their in-form players like Dutch goal-keeper Jaap Stockman teaming up with Australian Christopher Ciriello and penalty corner specialist Sandeep Singh in defence line, Australian Rob Hammond and Argentinean Lucas Ray in midfield to provide support to captain Jamie Dwyer of Australia, SV Sunil, Affan Yousuf and Malak Singh in the forward line.
Dwyer (3 goals) and Sandeep (4 goals) will continue with their responsibility of creating maximum chances for their team and score goals. Coach Barry Dancer of Australia may field some players from the bench and give some rest to the regular senior players of the team.
Speaking about the match, Dancer said, "We are not taking any team lightly as all the teams in the HIL have very good players and pool of talented players. Our players are in good form and we are on the right track. For Sunday's match, we will stick to our strategy of quick attacks and may bring some changes in team combination."
Captain Dwyer said, "We are in a good form and all the players are very motivated. We have beaten Kalinga Lancers earlier, but now they are on their home turf and will utilise their home advantage. We will play our natural game and try to create maximum chances of scoring goals. If everything goes well, we will win the match with a good margin."
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