The UP Yoddhas and the Bengal Warriorz face off in the 108th match of PKL 11 on Thursday, December 12, at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.
The Yoddhas have done really well this season, and are currently fourth in the table, looking set to make the playoffs. They enter this match on the back of a five-day break after their 36-33 win over the Puneri Paltan.
Meanwhile, the Warriorz have had a busy schedule recently and enter this match after a comfortable 44-29 win over the Bengaluru Bulls, led by a terrific defensive effort from their two corners. However, Maninder Singh's absence from the squad was noticeable.
With the Warriorz edging out the Yoddhas in a closely fought encounter in the reverse fixture, it'll be interesting to see how this one goes.
UP vs BEN Match Details
Match: UP vs BEN, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 108
Date and Time: December 12, 2024; 9pm IST
Venue: Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune.
Live Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar
UP vs BEN Probable Playing 7s
UP Yoddhas
Sumit (C), Bharat Hooda, Bhavani Rajput, Gagan Gowda, Ashu Singh, Hitesh, and Mahender Singh.
Bengal Warriorz
Fazel Atrachali (C), Manjeet, Pranay Rane, Siddhesh Tatkare, Mayur Kadam, Vishwas S, and Nitesh Kumar.
UP vs BEN Dream11 Team Prediction Top Picks, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 108
Raider - Gagan Gowda
The Yoddhas' raiding unit is a curious case as they've been fairly successful without any one raider putting in explosive performances. Bhavani Rajput and Gagan Gowda have been significant contributors to their team's cause, and there's little to separate them going into this one.
However, Bhavani Rajput did struggle in the reverse fixture, and that alone puts Gagan ahead on the pecking order. If Maninder Singh returns to the Bengal side, he could be a better pick than the two UP raiders.
Defender - Sumit
The ever-reliable Sumit is easily the best Dream11 defensive pick against a potentially inexperienced Bengal raiding lineup. Together with his corner partner Hitesh, Sumit could seriously add to his tackle points tally for the season, which is currently at an impressive 53 points in 17 appearances.
He's also one of the best Dream11 captaincy options.
All-Rounder - Bharat
Bharat was the star player for the Yoddhas in the reverse fixture, scoring a Super 10, albeit in a losing cause. He has had a middling season so far, and has been more valuable through his contributions in defense. However, his high points ceiling and lack of quality Dream11 options in the category make him the best Dream11 all-rounder.
UP vs BEN Match Captain/Vice-Captain Choices
Sumit
Fazel Atrachali/ Gagan Gowda
Hitesh/ Bharat/ Bhavani Rajput
Four Must-Picks for UP vs BEN, Pro Kabaddi 2024, Match 108
Sumit, Hitesh, Bharat, and Fazel Atrachali.
UP vs BEN Expert Tips for Pro Kabaddi 2024
The Yoddhas are definitely favorites on paper, but the Warriorz have a knack of putting up strong performances against such teams. Their result in the reverse fixture, combined with their win in their previous outing, makes them a tricky opponent.
From a Dream11 perspective, backing the UP Yoddhas' corner defenders against an unsettled Bengal raiding unit looks ideal. Bharat could be a decent differential captain as well.
UP vs BEN Dream11 Prediction Team, Grand League
Defenders: Fazel Atrachali, Nitesh Kumar, Sumit, and Hitesh.
All-Rounders: Vishwas S/Manjeet and Bharat.
Raiders: Bhavani Rajput.
Captain: Sumit. | Vice-captain: Fazel Atrachali.
UP vs BEN Dream11 Prediction Team, Head-to-Head League
Defenders: Sumit, Hitesh, Fazel Atrachali, and Mayur Kadam.
All-Rounders: Bharat.
Raiders: Gagan Gowda and Pranay Rane.
Captain: Gagan Gowda. I Vice-captain: Fazel Atrachali/Sumit.