U.P. Yoddha ha struggles this season with just three wins and three ties from its 16 matches this season. The side is placed in a very tough group but then there are no easy matches in the Pro Kabaddi League.
Two players have stood out for U.P. Yoddha in a disappointing Pro Kabaddi 6 campaign. Nitesh Kumar in the defense and Shrikant Jadhav on the offense. These are the two players that will have to play out of their skins to carry U.P Yoddha to a win.
There are weaknesses in the Haryana Steelers to exploit as well. Shrikant Jadhav has scored more points in Pro Kabaddi 6 than in any other season of the PKL. In fact, this is the first time that he has passed 100 raid points in a season.
He will know that the Haryana Steelers do not have the best defense and can e put under pressure. Jadhav is very good in do or die raid situations and could use such opportunities to pick off important Haryana Steeler players from the mat.
Nitesh Kumar is ranked third in the PKL at the moment according to tackle points. He has been brilliant in the right corner and is able to orchestrate the U.P Yoddha defense with aplomb.
The problem for U.P Yoddha has been finding backup for its two main players because if any of them have an off day then there is no one else to take up the slack.
The Haryana Steelers played a very impressive game against the Bengal Warriors in the last match. Vikash Khandola and Monu Goyat were very good on the offensive side. They kept coming hard at the experienced Bengal Warrior defense and were able to break it down.
These are the two players that will be the biggest threat to U.P Yoddha in this match.
Their own defense is not the strongest, although it did have a good match against the Bengal Warriors.
Sunil, from his right corner position, is a very good find for the Haryana Steelers. He has 27 tackle points to his name, which is less than Kuldeep Singh but has the most assists. Sunil and Kuldeep Singh were very effective at neutralizing Maninder Singh in the last match and they will have to do the same against Shrikant Jadhav in this match too.
The Haryana Steelers and U.P Yoddha have played just one match against each other. That match went in the favor the Haryana Steelers. U.P Yoddha’s current form is abysmal with five losses on the trot while the Haryana Steelers seem rejuvenated at the prospect of making the Super Playoffs.
Both sides have a dangerous offense dominated by an in-form raider. The defense also has one high-quality defender to rally around. It is the quality of the supporting act which gives the edge to the Haryana Steelers in our opinion.
U.P Yoddha may keep up with the Steelers for some time but eventually will fall behind.
Back the Haryana Steelers to win.