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Tamil Nadu Dragons and Team Gonasika go head-to-head in their fourth match of the Hockey India League on Wednesday (January 8), having won one game each thus far.
Two late goals from Sudev Abharan and Thomas Sorsby helped the Dragons prevail over the UP Rudras in their last match while SV Sunil, Victor Charlet, and Nilam Xess came to the party for Gonakisa who beat Hyderabad Toofans 3-1.
An interesting contest is on the cards between a Gonasika side, high on flair, and the Dragons, who have chosen to be cautious and compact under the guidance of Dutch head coach Rein van Eijk.
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Nikkin Thimmaiah was the livewire for Gonasika in their opener while SV Sunil found his scoring touch in their previous game. Struan Walker has been lively throughout.
The Vizag-based side is spoilt for options upfield with the sheer presence of Araijeet Singh Hundal and Mandeep Singh sufficient to keep the opposition defense on their toes.
Gonasika's forward line is backed up by solidity in midfield with the Great Britain trio of Jack Waller, Lee Morton, and Jacob Draper supporting Manpreet Singh.
The Dragons, on the other hand, are powered by two of the best drag flickers in the world in the form of Jip Janssen and Blake Govers, making for an intriguing contest between two very contrasting sides.
On paper, Team Gonasika appear to be a more balanced outfit with Victor Charlet available to take the drag flicks, as the Dragons continue to miss the services of the injured Mohammed Raheel in midfield.
Team Gonasika vs Tamil Nadu Dragons, Hockey India League match details
Match Details: Team Gonasika vs Tamil Nadu Dragons, League Match, Hockey India League 2024-25
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 8, 2025, 6 PM IST
Venue: Rourkela, India
Team Gonasika vs Tamil Nadu Dragons: Full Squads
Team Gonasika
Goalkeepers: Oliver Payne, Kamalbir Singh, Suraj Karkera
Defenders: Tim Howard, Dipsan Tirkey, Sanjeep Nilam Xess, Birendra Lakra, Anmol Ekka, Yogember Rawat, Amir Ali
Midfielders: Jacob Draper, Yashdeep Siwach, Jack Waller, Timothee Clement, Lee Morton, Vishnukant Singh, Sannuvanda Uthappa, Manpreet Singh
Forwards: Nikkin Thimmaiah, Struan Walker, SV Sunil, Victor Charlet, Araijeet Singh Hundal, Mandeep Singh
Tamil Nadu Dragons
Goalkeepers: David Harte, Arasu Senthamizh, Prince Deep Singh
Defenders: Jip Janssen, Kothajit Singh, Anand Lakra, Pruthvi GM, Moritz Ludwig, Anand Y, Amit Rohidas
Midfielders: Chandan Yadav, Blake Govers, Thomas Sorsby, Shesha Gowda, Dhilipan M, Arun J, Tom Craig, Mohd. Raheel
Forwards: Martin Zwicker, Sudev Abharan, Karthi Selvam, Ganesh Majji, Nathan Ephraums, Uttam Singh
Team Gonasika vs Tamil Nadu Dragons: Prediction
Team Gonasika's talent in abundance up front is bound to come good with the presence of multiple threats in attack making up for one striker having a bad game. Oliver Payne in goal has been an added asset for a team who do not appear to have any glaring weaknesses.
Not conceding too many penalty corners against the Dragons will be the key for Paul Revington's side, who have the edge in their fourth round-robin Hockey India League game.
Score Prediction:
Team Gonasika 3 - 2 Tamil Nadu Dragons
Where to watch Hockey India League 2024-25 matches in India?
Matches of the Hockey India League 2024-25 will be telecast on the Sony Sports Network and DD Sports and streamed live on SonyLiv and Waves.
