'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,/9j/2wBDAAYEBQYFBAYGBQYHBwYIChAKCgkJChQODwwQFxQYGBcUFhYaHSUfGhsjHBYWICwgIyYnKSopGR8tMC0oMCUoKSj/2wBDAQcHBwoIChMKChMoGhYaKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCgoKCj/wgARCAAGAAoDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFAABAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABv/aAAgBAQAAAAA84//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAX/2gAIAQIQAAAAT//EABQBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAP/2gAIAQMQAAAAH//EACAQAAICAQMFAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEDAgQGABIhBQcRQqL/2gAIAQEAAT8AsYZcr2LiqzenNkpcoKk+vzs8kgkj25A1Q7GZTYoVnh+OTDFxnuY1wkfjX//EABcRAQADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAAyL/2gAIAQIBAT8ApNM//8QAFxEBAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQADIf/aAAgBAwEBPwC0wn//2Q=='%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Playing against a relatively stronger U.P Yoddha, the Tamil Thalaivas registered just their second win of the campaign last week. In what has so far been a horrible season for the southern outfit, the Thalaivas have won just two out of their 10 games so far.
And now up against a stellar Patna Pirates side, it's scary to imagine what might ensue on the mat. Apart from Ajay Thakur and Prapanjan, not a single player has been solid and consistent for them.
The Pirates, on the other hand, have tasted defeat only thrice so far. They've played 15 games - winning eight of them. Their losses have been spaced out in a way that it hasn't hampered their momentum as they aim for a hat-trick of Pro Kabaddi trophies.
But not all is well. While Pardeep Narwal and Monu Goyat continue to shine for Patna, their defenders have slacked off. If not for their two in-form raiders, Patna could have easily been on the wrong side of the results in the past few matches.
Their cover defenders particularly have been poor. The usually dependable Vishal Mane has looked out of sorts while Sachin Shingade continues to struggle as well.
The Thalaivas will be well aware of Patna's Achilles heel. Cracking it won't be an issue for the likes of Ajay and Prapanjan. If they manage to expose Patna's cover defenders, a possible upset is not beyond them.
But while they attempt to do the above, the southern outfit will be well aware of the massive danger that awaits from in the form of Pardeep Narwal and Monu.
In the opening weeks of season 5, it was only Pardeep that opposition teams had to deal with. Now with Monu finding form, Patna have the look of the most dangerous attacking team in the league. If not kept in check, Thalaivas could suffer a heavy defeat once again.
Patna Pirates vs Tamil Thalaivas match prediction
On paper, this one is a no-brainer. The Pirates should storm past the Thalaivas and Pardeep could well score 20 raid points. But the league has thrown bigger surprises and if Ajay and co. manage to keep their backline solid, it could prove to be an interesting tie.
Everything said and done, Patna should easily win this game by a huge margin. Not one to state prediction numbers, a win by a margin of 20 or more points is very much on the cards.
