Fall Previews - Week Twelve - January 8th

Sabr vs Shukr

The way Sabr functioned during the course of the regular season compelled many to believe that perhaps they were suffering from, "limited ambition." They straggled in the bottom of the standings till the end but eventually jolted the i-Slam critics by closing Haya's darkest chapter in a 4-0 smackdown. The teele shirts now have the task of facing Shukr, a team they've been owned by twice. Ahmad Hathout and Luqman Arshad need to provide the insight in cranking out another upset. Can Sabr become the Cinderella team this year? GM Huzaifa Manjara, Saqib Khokhar and Tariq Hathout will log heavy minutes while the Siddiqui's try to shadow Aazar Zafar and company.

As much as the cast of Shukr is licking their chops from having a banner year and maintaining a 10 game unbeaten streak, their still reminded of, "the myth." No first place team has ever won the championships. Will this be the year to toss superstitions out the window? GM Naeem Akhtar and company are gung-ho on climbing the ladder to the finals. Firepower isn't the issue here. Shukr has 5 players on their stats with double digits and a defensive core that's tighter than two coats of paint. Shukr must focus on taming Sabr's speed and striking Zaid Majoo with everything and the kitchen sink, simply because you can't underestimate the opposition. Will Shukr be able to make it to the next round?

Burning Questions?

Which team will make it to the finals?

Player to Watch:

Naeem Akhtar hasn't made too much noise in stats (compared to other years) but can definitely escalate his game in strenuous situations. Can Akhtar manhandle Sabr?

Who's Hot?
Luqman Arshad was clutch last week with a 3 point night. He'll be an instrumental player for this Friday's tilt.

Ihsan vs Ikhlas

The road to the finals are 30 minutes away for Ihsan. The red shirts bolted by Emaan with a firm 2-0 score and now confront Ikhlas for a date to the semis. The climate on Ihsan has hit a fever pitch with the squad winning two consecutive games, and ironically one of those wins coming from the green shirts. Ihsan's offence has maintained some texture, particularly with Arsalan Mian and Humza Chaudhry. The receptive duo have been a solid storyline that'll give the opposing defensemen a rude awakening. Shuaib Hussein and Ibrahim Hindy will provide their leadership on attacking Ikhlas's pressure points. Will Ihsan's defensemen been able to avert Waqar Khan and company? Can Coach K make this win happen?

Ikhlas might've hit a road block with three straight loses, but don't discount them yet. This is a group of guys that might bend but not break. The green shirts have had their legs on the recliner for the past weeks and will try to stay in the conversation for the finals. With all the marbles on the line, Ikhlas will have to play like they have a vendetta and drop the temperature on Ihsan's hot streak. Waqar Khan, Nadeem Faqiri and Junaid Mohammad will be heavily relied upon to get their team to the promise-land, while Farrukh Khan and his defensive mates eclipse Ihsan's ringers. Will Ikhlas be able to rebound and make it to the finals? Will Ihsan's experience triumph or Ikhlas's speed?

Burning Questions?

Which team will make it to the finals?

Player to Watch:
Arssal Shahabuddin will be a focal point in winning this game. The patient defenseman has a sharp eye in playing making things happen from the backend.

Who's Hot?

Nadeem Faqiri has more moves than a U-Haul and will and has ritually become a "regular" on the scoresheet.