Local fans are expected to throng Odisha's Birsa Munda Hockey Stadium when the Kalinga Lancers take on the Tamil Nadu Dragons in the second of their round-robin matches of the Hockey India League on Friday (January 3).The Lancers certainly did not expect to find themselves at the bottom of the Hockey India League points table after a rousing start against the UP Rudras before going down 1-3 in their first match.The Tamil Nadu Dragons, on the other hand, could salvage a lone point after losing the shootout to Soorma Hockey Club in their opener.The Dragons have a menacing penalty corner battery, with Dutchman Jip Janssen possessing the ability to score at will from drag flicks, much like Aussie veteran Blake Govers.Local lad Amit Rohidas can also chip in with the drag flicks when needed while the Kookaburras' Nathans Ephraums and German international Martin Zwicker prowl for goals up-front.With redoubtable Irishman David Harte standing tall in goal, the Dragons match the defending champions in every department ahead of Friday's crucial encounter.The Lancers, meanwhile will be looking to star drag-flicker Alexander Hendrickx to get them over the line even as Dilpreet Singh and Thierry Brinkman launch the attacks.Krishan Pathak had a reasonably good outing against the UP Rudras and has the benefit of a sound and experienced defensive line-up with Belgian stalwarts Antione Kina and Arthur van Doren plugging the gaps at the back.Spectators in Rourkela can expect an enthralling contest as two teams intent on picking up full points and come hard at each other, knowing that even a win cannot take them to the top of the points table.Kalinga Lancers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hockey India League match detailsMatch Details: Kalinga Lancers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons, League Match, Hockey India League 2024-25Date & Time: Friday, January 3, 2025, 8:15 PM ISTVenue: Rourkela, IndiaKalinga Lancers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons: Full SquadsKalinga LancersGoalkeepers: Krishan Pathak, Toby Cotterill, Sahil Kumar NayakDefenders: Sushil Dhanwar, Antoine Kina, Partap Lakra, Arthur van Doren, Enrique Gonzalez, Rohit Kullu, Alexander Hendrickx, Mandeep Mor, SanjayMidfielders: Aran Zalewski, Rosan Kujur, Rabichandra Moirangthem, Nicholas Bandurak, Mukesh Toppo, Roshan MinzForwards: Gursahibjit Singh, Angad Bir Singh, Deepak Pradhan, Thierry Brinkman, Dilpreet Singh, Boby Singh DhamiTamil Nadu DragonsGoalkeepers: David Harte, Arasu Senthamizh, Prince Deep SinghDefenders: Jip Janssen, Kothajit Singh, Anand Lakra, Pruthvi GM, Moritz Ludwig, Anand Y, Amit RohidasMidfielders: Chandan Yadav, Blake Govers, Thomas Sorsby, Shesha Gowda, Dhilipan M, Arun J, Tom Craig, Mohd. RaheelForwards: Martin Zwicker, Sudev Abharan, Karthi Selvam, Ganesh Majji, Nathan Ephraums, Uttam SinghKalinga Lancers vs Tamil Nadu Dragons: PredictionThe Tamil Nadu Dragons have no option but to commit men upfield as they look to consolidate their position in the tournament, knowing that penalty corners have been hard to come by in Rourkela.Valentin Altenburg is aware that his side does not deserve to be at the bottom of the points table and will have a plan in place to negotiate a favorable outcome on Friday.Score PredictionKalinga Lancers 3 - Tamil Nadu Dragons 2Where to watch Hockey India League 2024-25 matches in India?Matches of the Hockey India League 2024-25 will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and DD Sports and streamed live on SonyLiv and Waves.