Tigers set to pounce

THE Telikom National Soccer League will continue its matches around the country with Port Moresby playing host to a double header tomorrow.
In the opening match at Lloyd Robson Oval, CMSS Tigers will take on Besta PNG United, while in the main game, Gelle Hills take on Esiloan University InterFC.
In Lae, Tukoko University will host Eastern Star.
The interesting clash will see two Milne Bay stalwarts, Misty Baloiloi (University) and Joe Ealadona (Eastern Star) on the opposite end of the field.
At Madang’s premier oval, Laiwaden, Niupetro Fox will host their fellow Momase neighbours, Gigira Laitepo Morobe FC.
With Hekari United away in Fiji for their O-league match against Lautoka, CMSS Tigers are expected to register a good, if not a big win, against a young Besta PNG United side, who have in reality have been the whipping boys of the NSL in 2009-10.
Tigers will have no excuses if they lose or draw this match with a chance to leap frog Hekari into first place.
Tigers coach Joowan Jung has a full strength side at his disposal and this should all but ensure his team wins their remaining games to consolidate their position.
Joowan must resist the temptation to make unnecessary substitutions  during the match against basement club Besta PNG as the ploy could backfire. Lanky Richard Pono, Samson Kaniyiosi and Ila Ilaita Jr form the nucleus of the backline while Nathan Vincent should come in for Mathew Mende who did not perform to the expectation last week. 
Skipper Ken Gule and Frank Tulem need some help in the middle of the park which was lacking last week while Bruce Kusunan and Raymond Gunemba should pair well in the strikers position.
Young and full of energy, Kusunan is capable of tearing the Besta defence into pieces if given enough room and possession.
Besta midfielder Emmanuel Simon will be the man to watch. He was the best player last week against Gelle Hills but was unfortunate to miss out on the Telikom Man of the Match award.
Apart from him, Jamal Seeto and Emmanuel Yawi will be dangerous upfront.
In the second game, University’s coaching team should start Richard Auram with regulars Felix Bondaluk and Neil Hans.
University will be without Hamson Daniel while Kelly Jampu and Trevor Ire will have to lift their defence to avoid a Gelle Hills on slaught.
Hills are silent achievers.
Coaches Wesley Waiwai and Lua Vagi need to set their team as the finals are approaching.
Midfielder Leana Geno and David Kila should lead their attack with the Markham combination of Frank Giasa and Billy Kapuk in the frontline.
From the flank, Absalom Waluka and Amon Mackenzie to supply ample ball for their strikers.
Gelle Hills are steady in the backline with skipper David Taro, towering fullback Bofeng Gamabini and David Kiaka, and all will give in 100% to ensure nothing gets past goalkeeper Sunny Yaseling.
It should be a good game.
Unofficial ladder: Hekari United 25, Tigers 22, Gigira Laitepo Morobe 20, Gelle Hills 19, Tukoko University 15, University 14, Eastern Star 11, Niupetro Fox 5 and Besta PNG 3.