Bhubneswar: Debutants Kalinga Lancers would be desperate to score a sweet revenge over the Uttar Pradesh Wizards and give their home fans something to cheer about in a return leg match of the Hockey India League 2014 between the two sides, here on Thursday.
The Lancers had lost 1-3 to Wizards in their previous encounter at Lucknow and come Thursday the hosts would be eyeing a win to make life little difficult for the visitors.
The Wizards are currently placed at the fourth position in the standings with 21 points from seven games, while the Lancers just have 10 points from as many matches.
But off late, the Lancers have started to gain momentum and gave their opponents tough fights in the last few matches. Barring the 2-1 win over bottom-placed Dabur Mumbai Magicians, the Lancers did not have anything more to show in their maiden outing.
And the Terry Walsh-coached side would be hoping to prove their critics wrong tomorrow.
"We have lost another player (Mandeep) to injury in our last encounter, this is disappointing for us. Tomorrow's match against Uttar Pradesh Wizards is important for us as the results will have bearing on semifinal standings. We will focus on converting our chances in to goal," Walsh said on the eve of the game.
UP Wizards skipper VR Raghunath, meanwhile, said that they need to win tomorrow's game to consolidate their semi-final chances.
"It's an important game for us. We have to make sure that we qualify for the semi-final. Tomorrow's game would be crucial as it will affect the pool standing of top teams.
Plus, we need to win the game as it will also boost our morale and confidence," he said.
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