Puneri Paltan started its home leg with three wins from three matches and it looked like the home leg would be a resounding success for the side. The physical toll of playing so many matches in such a short time, though, took its toll and the Pune side looked sapped for its last two matches.
They are still at the top of Zone A with five wins from ten matches. They have been led by Nitin Tomar on the attacking front and by Girish Maruti Ernak on the defensive side. A lot will depend on Nitin Tomar who has already recorded 94 points this season and was brilliant against the Fortunegiants the last time these two teams met.
The role of Girish Maruti Ernak cannot be overstated either because he will be the one coordinating the defense against some very talented Gujarat Fortunegiants Raiders. How this battle plays out could well be the decisive element of the match.
The Gujarat Fortunegiants have played four matches in Pro Kabaddi 6 so far and won two out of those. With both those wins coming in their last two matches, the Gujarat Fortunegiants seem to be warming up to their task this season nicely.
Parvesh Bhainswal and Sachin have been the two players that have stood out for the Gujarat Fortunegiants this season. Bhainswal has 12 tackle points in his four games this season and his position as left cover will put him in a straight contest with Nitin Tomar.
Stopping Tomar has proved to be difficult this season and Bhainswal will have his work cut out for him.
Similarly, with 33 points from his four matches, Sachin has led the offense for the Gujarat side. He will need to be at his best to ensure Gujarat can stay abreast of an aggressive Puneri Paltan side that is going to come hard at them.
There have been four matches played between the Gujarat Fortunegiants and Puneri Paltan. All of those matches have resulted in wins for the Gujarat side. The weight of history and form seems to be on the side of the Gujarat Fortunegiants in this encounter as well.
Both sides are coming into this contest refreshed and ready to go. We thought that the Puneri Paltan was shaping up very nicely before they lost their last two games. Reclaiming that form against the Gujarat Fortunegiants is not going to be easy but we think Pune will overcome history and register its first win against Gujarat this time around.
Back the Puneri Paltan to win.