UP, Punjab aim to register first HIL win

Uttar Pradesh Wizards are all geared up to face Punjab Warriors in a Hero Hockey India League (HIL) encounter at the Hockey Stadium here Monday.

In their opening matches, where Wizards met Delhi Waveriders and Warriors played against Dabang Mumbai, both the teams played draws, splitting the points with their respective opponents.

In the impending game Monday, both Wizards and Warriors will look to play their best, attacking the opponents' goalpost while defending their own and register a win.

Indian defender V.R. Raghunath-led Wizards have already chalked out their game plan and put the strategies in place for the impending clash.

"The team is in good shape and ready to take on the opponents. The boys performed really well in the last match and I am anticipating a similar game from the team this time too," Wizards chief coach Roelant Oltmans said.

With P.R. Sreejesh under the bar and Ramandeep holding up the team's attack, Thimmaiah brothers Nikkin and Nithin will continue to strengthen the forward line for the Wizards.

"Ramandeep and Jeroen Hertzberger are at their best at this point of time and infringing Sreejesh's guard at the nets will be a tough task for the opposite team," Oltmans said.

With a settled line of attack and game approach, Warriors will step out onto the turf with full confidence and determination to not give away any points to the opponents.

The home team's poise will also be shored up by the hockey fans and followers present at the stadium to cheer for their side.

While captain Jamie Dwyer will look up to S.V. Sunil and Affan Yousuf to fortify the team's forward, Gaganpreet Singh and Sandeep Singh will be aiming at scoring as many goals as possible to lead the Warriors to victory.

"We are a strong team with best of the best players in our line-up and are looking to bring into play our strengths. Everybody in the team has been giving their 100 per cent and I look forward to continued contribution from each member in the approaching matches as well," Dwyer said.

"Wizards is a strong side and the game is definitely going to be tough. We will play to our best in order to win this match and hope will not disappoint the crowd."