Pacesetting Ceres plays 4 Nationals vs Loyola

Ceres-La Salle tries to extend its lead at the top as it battles Loyola Meralco at the resumption of the United Football League Saturday at Rizal Memorial Stadium.

Three points clear of Stallion with 24, the Bacolod-based side seeks their ninth win of the season in the 7:45 p.m. clash with the Sparks.

Ceres will have national team stars Manny Ott, Patrick Reichelt, Juani Guirado and Martin Steuble back in the squad, after the quartet played in the Azkals’ first two games of World Cup Qualifying.

The Sparks, sitting in fifth spot with 19 points, are hoping to avenge their first-round defeat to the Busmen, who posted a thrilling 5-2 win in their duel.

But Loyola faces an uphill climb without leading scorer Phil Younghusband, who will serve a suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the 3-3 draw with Kaya at the end of the first round.

The Sparks beefed up their lineup during the transfer window last month, signing British striker Brad Grayson, Napo Bustillo, goalkeeper Saba Garmaroudi, returnee Jake Morallo, and young prospect Alvin Sarmiento. Loyola also picked up Curt Dizon as part of the deal that sent Matthew Hartmann to Global.

“What’s really nice, going through the squad, we now have two very good players in every position, which is something we’ve been after for awhile,” said Sparks coach Simon McMenemy.

Green Archers looks to close in on the leaders when it collides with struggling Pachanga Diliman in the 5:15 p.m. kickoff.

The Archers have 11 points so far on three wins and a couple of draws. But Pachanga has won just two matches this season.