Meralco, Ilocos XI face off

MANILA, Philippines -  FC Meralco Manila seeks to return to the top of the Philippine Football League table today as it faces Ilocos United at the Quirino Stadium in Ilocos Sur.

Winner of their first five games, the Sparks (17 points) relinquished the No. 1 position after dropping points in their last two matches against Davao Aguilas (2-2) and Stallion Laguna (1-1) but get a chance to regain it with a win against two-pointer Ilocos in the 4 p.m. duel.

With a week’s rest, the Manila booters enter the away game relatively fresher compared to their previous outings, which had them play three matches in an eight-day period.

Phil Younghusband tries to add to his four-goal tally in the PFL as brother James recovers from an ankle sprain he suffered while on national team duties and remains doubtful for the road match.

Although occupying the cellar with just two draws at best to show, the Graham Caygill-led Ilocos side proved it can go toe-to-toe with Manila.