With TAL set to resume after the winter break, Crystal Ball is back, as we reach that time of the season when teams actually show what they are made of. The title race looks to be a two horse one between Parikrma and Horizons FC whilst the relegation battle still has 6 teams in it, with 7th placed Rare Dare FC and 12th placed Mercurial separated only by 5 points.
8:00 AM – Flipkart FC v Project 7
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The proceedings kick off with Flipkart FC clash with Project 7; both are mid-table teams looking to make that jump into the upper echelons of the division. Both teams have balanced squads and this should be a well-matched tie. Project 7 will be looking to get revenge on the big loss they were handed last season by Flipkart but need to keep Pavan Powar off the ball if they are to achieve that while Flipkart need to be wary off Project 7’s pace up front.
Crystal Ball: Flipkart FC (1) – (1) Project 7
9:30 AM – Parikrma v Yataghan Internazionale
League leaders Parikrma take on fourth placed Yataghan Internazionale in the next game. Parikrma have won all their games so far but will need to bring their ‘A game’ if they are to keep that record intact against a tactically organised team such as Yataghan. Yataghan have a chance to finish the season in the top three but cant afford to drop too many points if they are to reach that goal. A low scoring game looks to be on the cards unless Parikrma breach the Yataghan defence early in the game.
Crystal Ball: Parikrma (1) – (0) Yataghan Internazionale
11:00 AM – Horizons FC v Mavericks FC
The third game of the day features 2nd placed Horizons FC and 11th placed Mavericks FC. Horizons cant afford to drop any more points if they are to remain in the title race keeping in mind they play Parikrma on the final day. Mavericks escaped the clutches of relegation last time around but need a miracle if they are to do the same this season. Horizons have made some good additions over the break and will look to put the gas on the pedal from the get go.
Crystal Ball: Horizons FC (3) – (0) Mavericks FC
12:30 PM – Gremio FC v FC Kougen Kikou
The final game of the afternoon session features Gremio FC and FC Kougen Kikou. Both teams have had disappointing seasons and are firmly in the relegation battle. Highflyers of past, Gremio started the season miserably but have slowly found form and caused an upset when they beat Supernova in GW 7. FCKK have failed to field their strongest team on most occasions and have paid the price for it. The teams have played twice before with each team winning once. This is a big game for both teams as a win might move them one step closer to safety.
Crystal Ball: Gremio FC (3) – (2) FC Kougen Kikou
2:15 PM – Rare Dare FC v Supernova FC
The afternoon session kicks off with Rare Dare FC taking on Supernova FC. RDFC have picked clicked into gear as the season has progressed but face a tricky opponent this week. Supernova’s title chase came to premature halt when they lost to Gremio just before the break. However, they have made some strong additions to squad over the transfer window in their pursuit to hold onto a top three finish.
Crystal Ball: Rare Dare FC (1) – (2) Supernova FC
3:45 PM – Samba FC v Mercurial FC
A potential six-pointer between Samba FC and Mercurial FC will round things off for GW 8. Samba have a mean defence but have not been able to find the scoring touch, something they should address in the transfer window. Mercurial have picked up 4 points in their last two games after a horrendous start to the season and will hope to build on that as they look to escape relegation. With both teams fighting for points, we expect this to be a cautious game.
Crystal Ball: Samba FC (0) – (0) Mercurial FC
