Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai all set for an electrifying clash tomorrow
–Dabang Mumbai eyeing their first win in the League 2015 and Kalinga Lancers aiming to climb up the points table

Mumbai, 07 February 2015: Looking ahead to their first encounter against each other in the Hero Hockey India League 2015, both Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai are all geared up to lock horns at Mumbai tomorrow. With both teams having some of the finest players on their side, the duo is engaged in last minute strategising to gain edge over the other’s might.

Dabang Mumbai started the League with huge expectations when they drew their first match against the mighty Jaypee Punjab Warriors leaving the latter stunned and raising the hopes of many that they would be the team to look for in this season. At the same time, Kalinga Lancers also started their outing by defeating Ranchi Rays in the inaugural match 6-3. Tomorrow both Kalinga Lancers and Dabang Mumbai are all set to clash and it will be interesting to see who comes out victorious and which team will find it tougher to reach the semi-final spot.

The man to watch out tomorrow and who may make Kalinga Lancer’s going tough, will be the young Harmanpreet Singh, his ability to convert the penalty corners will be a matter of concern for Andrew Charter under the Kalinga Lancers goal post. Young Anup Amarpal Valmiki’s ability to tear past the defence of the opponents and reach the circle and give the much required balance to both Glenn Turner and Tom Boon is also likely to work in favour of Dabang Mumbai. The team will even look to Chinglensana Singh to showcase his ability to sneak in the goals and get the team on a strong position.

On the other hand, with just one win in the kitty out of the six matches that the team has played, Kalinga Lancers will look at turning the tables round in their favour and ensure that they beat Dabang Mumbai tomorrow. With Gurjinder Singh again to sit out of tomorrow’s match, the onus to convert penalty corners will be on Gonzalo Peillat. Also eyes will also be on Lucas Villa and Russel Ford to create opportunities for the team and get the much required goals.

What coaches have to say:

Head Coach of Kalinga Lancers, Jude Felix: “In the last match against Ranchi Rays we missed out on penalty corners and did not materialize any scoring opportunities into goals. In the match tomorrow, our strategy will be to focus on our strengths and improve upon the weak areas. We are not at all de-moralized and intend to win tomorrow’s game.”

Head Coach of Dabang Mumbai, Valentin Altenburg said, “While the team is penetrating the circle but what is not going in our favour is working together in the circle. We have been working on it in our practice session. Tomorrow we will ensure good possession of the ball and put pressure by attacking. Also have a strong defence work in order to restrict the opponent’s from scoring.”

Matches on 8 February 2015
MATCH 1: Ranchi Rays Vs Uttar Pradesh Wizards
TIME: 1700 Hrs IST
VENUE: Ranchi
TELECAST: LIVE by Star Sports 2 Star Sports 3

MATCH 2: Dabang Mumbai Vs Kalinga Lancers
TIME: 1900 Hrs IST
VENUE: Mahindra Hockey Stadium, Mumbai
TELECAST: LIVE by Star Sports 2 Star Sports 3