Ceres-Negros FC travels to Tagum City for their fourth PFL encounter with the Davao Aguilas on July 14 at the Davao del Norte Sports Center.
The two squads have played three times in the last few months with the Negros squad getting the better results over the Mindanao representatives.
Two two squads first met last May 2 when they hammered out a 2-0 victory over at the Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Bienvenido Marañon and Mike Ott scored the goals while Toni Doblas was declared as man of the match after shutting down the Davao attack.
Ceres-Negros FC produced an attacking masterclass in the second half last May 23 to beat the Aguilas 4-0 at the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod.
OJ Porteria scored the opener while Bienvenido Maranon completed a brace in the second half for the comprehensive win.
It was different however last June 6 as the Aguilas scored first in Panaad via a James Younghusband header.
Carlie De Murga and Patrick Reichelt had other ideas as they powered the home squad to goals which secured the three points at home.
Thing will be different this time as both teams are coming into the match with less pressure than the past three matches.
Ceres-Negros are only nine points away from the title while the Aguilas are looking forward to retool in the transfer window which opens the day after the match.
“We played very tough games last week so we came here to enjoy. Maybe after six months of competing one-hundred percent we have an opportunity to play the game without pressure,” said Ceres Coach Risto Vidakovic.
“Of course we will compete as always as it’s always a different game. I think it’s a good game for the crowd because there is no pressure in the game and players can play really good football,” the Ceres mentor added.
“I think coming from these games from the rains and the field in Iloilo, we’re all a bit tired, said Ceres forward Patrick Reichelt. But mentally, we are a little bit more comfortable now with the table and we can really enjoy and compete.”
Reichelt is looking forward to the match and the good football that comes with it. “I think the boys are ready. Its always a hard game against Davao and I think I we can have a quality game,” the Ceres veteran added.
Ceres will welcome the return of Super Herrera from suspension while Bienvenido Marañon and Manny Ott will be available for the match.
Kickoff is set at 4pm with a capacity crowd expected for the final match in Tagum City. The match will be streamed live on PFLtv.ph.
