Published on: Feb 7, 2019 4:29 pm IST|Updated on: Feb 7, 2019 7:47 pm IST
Christchurch, 8 February at 09:30 AM IST
The Friday’s doubleheader in FIH Pro League will witness England men locking horns with New Zealand men at NGA Puna Wai Hockey Stadium, Christchurch followed with the clash between counterparts England Women and New Zealand Women later at the same ground.
While the FIH Pro League performance will have a direct impact in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Qualifications, each side will feature with their best strength. Great Britain men are coming after registering a dramatic 6-5 win over Spain and would be looking to continue their momentum. At one point the GB men were behind with 4-1 goals but splendid performances from Adam Dixon Zach Wallace, Mark Gleghorne, Phil Roper and David Condon helped the side register a comeback. Will Calnan, Lee Morton, Josh Pavis, Ian Sloan and Ollie Willars are the four new faces in the squad who will have the spotlight.
New Zealand is going through a rough patch in the tournament. The New Zealand men faced one-goal defeat in their opening fixture against The Netherlands while the second outing against Belgium ended in a 4-4 draw. It will be interesting to watch the outcome of the clash as the Black Sticks host their third doubleheader of the tournament.
Both the sides last met at the 2017 Sultan Azlan Shah Cup in which the Great Britain men turned out to be the winners with a 3-2 victory. Sam Ward and Phil Roper were on the scoresheets.
England Hockey squad:
New Zealand Hockey squad:
Dylan Thomas, Jared Panchia, Arun Panchia, Blair Tarrant, Shea McAleese, Sam Lane, Dane Lett, Mac Wilcox, George Enersen, Hayden Phillips, Hugo Inglis, Kane Russell, Marcus Child, Nic Woods, Nick Ross, Richard Joyce, George Muir, Stephen Jenness
This ENG vs NZ Dream11 prediction is based on news sourced from various sources. Kindly revisit before the deadline for the final update.