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| Curt Dizon of FC Meralco Manila evades Kaya's Kenshiro Daniels. FC Meralco Manila (file photo) |
By Dugout Philippines
MANILA--FC Meralco Manila and Kaya Makati already have a storied rivalry.
But when the two squads cross swords on Saturday, there will be more than just pride on the line as the winner will be atop the Philippines Football League standings.
Manila have been the number one team since day one of the league. They may still be top dog at 48 points, but Kaya, thanks to Wednesday's 2-0 triumph at Davao, are now just a point adrift. It should be noted, however, that Meralco has games in hand.
That gives Saturday's match, which kicks off at 7:00 p.m. in Rizal Memorial, even added significance.
Meralco's form has been uneven of late, with a goalless draw against Stallion two weeks ago their last on-field action. Last weekend they picked up three points against Ilocos thanks to a forfeiture.
[Related Story: Manila enters PFL playoffs as Ilocos slapped with forfeiture loss]
Kaya look like a menacing prospect after goals from Jordan Mintah and Miguel Tanton gave them three points in Tagum. The Spark attack featuring Curt Dizon and captain Simon Greatwich will need to match them stride for stride.
This will be the final regular season meeting between the teams that comprise the Capital Clasico.
Manila took the first two games but in their last meeting on Sept. 30, Makati won 2-1 thanks to a late winner from super sub Eric Giganto in UMak.
Both teams will be eager to grab the top seed in the four-team playoffs that begin on Dec. 2. The clubs are eyeing the top spot to give themselves, in theory, an easier assignment in the home-and-away semis. The winners of those series face off in the final match on Dec. 16.
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