Biratnagar City FC hopes to tighten its grip on the National Super League against Pokhara Thunders Wednesday at Dashrath stadium.

For now Biratnagar FC with three points are at the top of table in the round robin tournament on goal difference. They look determined to hang on to the pole position.

If their performance against formidable Dhangadhi FC is taken into account,they have a good chance to become the first team to win two straight matches.

They played well,combining aggression, consistency, positivity,coordination and individual brilliance. More importantly, they did not let scoring opportunities go to waste. That made a big difference . Despite a winning start, Head Coach Yan Law admitted that there are still grey areas that need to be addressed to improve the team’s performance.

He is looking forward to a much improved performance from his side against Pokhara Thunders whom he considers a formidable opponent.

I expect Coach Law to employ a similar playing style, tactical ploys and attacking strategies he used against Dhangadhi.
There is no denying the fact that the outfit from East Nepal is well balanced and packed with skillful and experienced players.

They must carry the momentum into the match, play total football and to their strengths. Their strength lies in midfield with the exciting and innovative trio of Sunil Bal, Santosh Tamang and Hem Tamang in charge. Should they take control of midfield play, they should find themselves in a winning position.

Creative midfielder Santosh Tamang, man of the match against Dhangadi was at the top of his game. He constantly split defenders, created spaces and fed forwards.His form is crucial for the team. My guess is Coach Law will stick to the same winning combination of upcoming Nir Kumar Rai Pedro Manzi and Adelaja Somide in the attack. He believes both foreign recruits will grow performance wise.

International Ranjit Dhimal alongside Saraj Dahal and Ulrich Siewel were up to their task and will require the same defending stubbornness to protect the goal.

On the other hand, Pokhara Thunders are pointless and at the bottom of the table. This is a must win match for the star- studded side to be back in the fray.

Apparently, defeat will not serve their interest as they battle to stay in the competition. A win over Biratnagar is within their reach unless they are able to put together a winning and robust performance.

They were left to rue their missed chances after losing 2-0 to Butwal Lumbini in their opening match. They will need a clinical finish when it comes to translating scoring chances into goals.

They have veteran Anil Gurung and ace striker Nawayug Shrestha who have experience and scoring ability to get the task done.

Head Coach Nabin Neupane knows he has a talented team capable of turning things around. He needs to motivate them and work out strategies to drive the team to success.

He can take cue from Dhangadi FC’s bounce back against Kathmandu Rayzrs. I will be surprised if he doesn't go for the 4-3-3 formation to put early pressure on the opponent.

In the first match, Coach Neupane did not include Anil Gurung in the first playing eleven. I don’t know if he has him starting for the crucial tie.

If I am in his shoes he starts in the match. The former ace striker Gurung certainly adds dynamism and fire to the attack. On top of that, he has a knack for scoring goals.

Foreign recruit recruit Moussa Abagana, upcoming Rajesh Pariyar have to step up their performance and get more involved in the attack

Right out of the gate, they have to come firing on all cylinders. Nitin Thapa, Ravi Shankar Paswan and Bidias Rim Raphael in midfield to dictate play, which was missing in the last match.

The defense was left exposed in the last match. Capped defenders Dipak Gurung, Ajit Bhandari, Man B Tamang and Ketcha Yannick cannot afford another half -hearted and error-prone performance. They need to put up a technically sound defending to give their side a chance in the crucial game.

By Sushil Thapa,Fairfax,VA, USA