Slam-bang matches feature UFL leaders

PACESETTER Loyola Meralco seeks its fifth win in a row when it battles fierce rival Air Force Phoenix in the United Football League at the University of Makati field.

Kickoff is at 4 p.m. with both sides clashing for the first time since Air Force, boasting of a lineup made up of homegrown players, beat Loyola, 2-0, in the UFL Cup final last December.

But the Airmen have hardly looked the champion team it was heralded at the start of the season, while the Sparks have gotten into a rhythm after a stunning early-season loss to Stallion.

Kaya and Global square off in the first game at 2 p.m. in another clash between powerhouse sides.

Loyola and Kaya have 18 points from seven matches, while Global has the same output, although it has played one more game than the two teams.

Kaya has won its last three matches, while Global will be looking for four in a row with its strengthened roster that includes Juan Luis Guirado, who scored two goals against Air Force last week, and debuting Fil-German striker Patrick Reichelt, a prospect for the national team.