Match Details:

Tournament: VIVO Pro Kabaddi League 2021-22

Venue: Sheraton Grand, Bengaluru

Date: Friday, 31st December 2021

Time: 8:30 PM IST

Preview:

New Year eve at PKL will see a perfect end with Bengal Warriors taking on Patna Pirates. They are 2 of the most successful teams in the league and there is a always a lot of nostalgia when these 2 sides meet. The 2 sides look solid on paper but have failed to produce performances as per expectations, which sees Patna at 5th, while Bengal occupy the 6th spot on the table. Expect a gruelling encounter.

Probable starting lineups:

Patna Pirates

Prashanth Kumar Rai, Monu Goyat, Neeraj Kumar, Sajin C, Sachin Tanwar, Sunil, Mohammedreza Chiyaneh

Bengal Warriors

Maninder Singh, Sukesh Hegde, Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh, Abozar Mohajermighani, Rinku Narwal, Parveen, Darshan J.

Fantasy breakdown:

Patna Pirates 

Monu Goyat: Monu Goyat had a couple of off games and will be eager to prove a point. The experienced raider was on fire in the opening game as he secured  14 raid points, including 3 bonus points and even affected a tackle. He has managed just 5 raid points since, and would be eager to make amends. He has put in some fine tackles though, and has 5 tac kle points in his kitty. He will be key to Patnas fortunes.

Sachin Tanwar: Sachin Tanwar is another big player in the Pirates setup and will look to replicate his form at Gujarat Giants. He has transitioned into an all-rounder and has put in strong performances. He has bagged 22 raid points and 5 tackle points. 

Sunil: Sunil might not be the biggest name in PKL but is a very steady defender and gives nothing away. The right corner defender scored 55 tackle points last season and has started this season well with 7 tackles to his name thus far. He will be looking to have another solid game.

Bengal Warriors

Maninder Singh: Maninder Singh is the top raider in the Bengal Warriors side and was one of the major reasons behind them lifting the coveted Season 7 trophy. The tall and strong raider ended last season strongly and has started this one well, registering 48 raid points in 4 games. He has been superb in the last couple of games and will be key. 

Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh: Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh is the x-factor in the Bengal Warriors side. He can raid, he can tackle and he can do things that others cant even think of.  The Iranian was the top scorer for the side in the opening game and has put in a fine show since. He has 16 raid points and 7 tackle points to his name. He had a rather poor last game and would be tempted to make amends.

J Darshan: A strong defence is a key to putting pressure on the opposition and J Darshan does just that. The right corner defender is very neat with his tackles and has had good outings thus far, racking up 8 tackle points. He will have a big role to play tonight. 

Must-haves:

Monu Goyat

Sachin Tanwar

Maninder Singh

Worth a shot:

Mohammedreza Chiyaneh

C Sajin C

Mohammad Esmaeil Nabibakhsh

Captaincy Options:

Maninder Singh: Maninder is a quality raider and has kept his form this season as well. He has been in superb form in the last couple of games and could be in for another big tally. 

Sachin Tanwar: Sachins appeal has grown more so this season as he is donning an all-rounders hat. He has not just earned raid points but has also affected successful tackles, which make him a great captaincy candidate.

Fantasy Team: