#CPA2022: Three Things to look out for in this Matchday Nine of the CoPA

As the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara nears the end of the elimination rounds, things are expected to get more intense as everyone will be scrambling for that all-important win to give themselves a chance to make it to the final four.

After eight matchdays, reigning Copa Paulino Alcantara champions Kaya FC-Iloilo sit at the top of the standings with 10 points while their rivals United City FC kept eight points to secure second place before heading out to Thailand for their AFC Champions League campaign.

While things are settling for the first two places, the scramble for the remaining semifinal slots is just getting started so without further ado, here are five things to look out for in this Matchday Nine of the 2022 Copa Paulino Alcantara.

1) Dynamic Herb Cebu FC: Riding the Hype train or the real deal?

Photo credits: Cebu Football Club

All teams in this year's Copa have already seen action except for one, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC. After all the struggles that they've faced due to the Typhoon Odette towards the end of 2021, the club needed some time to regroup and pick itself back up.

With plenty of time given for them to re-establish the club, they are coming back stronger than their first stint in the Copa. Restructuring almost from top to bottom, the Gentle Giants have acquired the services of some huge names to bolster their squad and make up for their fourth-place finish in the last season.

The Gentle Giants are boasting a new head coach in Mehmet Kakil, a former player and a legend for Hatayspor whose expected to bring in a new flavor of attacking football not only to Cebu FC but also for Philippine Football fans to experience.

“With his experience and knowledge combined, we hope to bring a different level of playing to our boys and the team. We are genuinely grateful to Hatayspor for taking our club to a whole new level,” wrote Cebu FC.

Joining him is his assistant coach Levent Ozturk who's also a former player of Hatayspor. The club said, "Coach Levent’s major-league background provides him with a holistic approach to dealing with younger players. His prominence in the realm of coaching is something he imparts to the team, and we are grateful for every day we have with him.”

They may have lost some, but they surely won a few more to increase the firepower that they have in their squad. With their pivotal midfielder Ricky Sendra now with United City FC, they've gathered a few more reinforcements from their partner club Hatayspor from Turkey.

Replacing Sendra is Mert Altinöz, a 20 years old midfielder and one of the three signings of Cebu who came from the youth ranks of Hatayspor. He's currently on loan with the Gentle Giants hoping to further his development as a player and bring as much experience here in the Philippines back to Turkey after his loan spell.

They also acquired the services of Nazim Ozcan, a 6'3'' defender looking to beef up the backline of last year's fourth placers while Arda Cinkir will be providing them the goals they need upfront.

The Gentle Giants also welcomed grassroots players John Cyril Sinoy who came from the Don Bosco Boys Home Football program and John Ryll Eldian who previously played with the University of San Carlos and the Far Eastern University high school squads.

It is a good thing as well that they were able to hold onto their mainstays for this season as the cohesion will already be there. They'll be facing Stallion Laguna FC and will be looking for a win in their third time of asking. The Gentle Giants lost twice to Stallion Laguna FC, first in the group stages, then second during the battle for third last season.

2) Fatal-Four-Way for the knockouts

Photo credits: Philippines Football League

With Mendiola FC 1991 mathematically out of the equation for the knockouts after failing to get maximum points against Stallion Laguna FC in their previous encounter, it opens up the battlefield for the Azkals Development Team, Maharlika Manila FC, Dynamic Herb Cebu FC, and last year's third placers Stallion Laguna FC for the final two spots for the knockout stages.

Currently, ADT's clinging to third place with four points while Maharlika Manila FC's not far behind with just a one-point deficit in the standings but with a game to spare.

Stallion Laguna FC will be happy if they can break the duck and win their next match against Dynamic Herb Cebu FC and hope for a stalemate between the Azkals Development Team and Maharlika Manila FC to propel themselves to third.

However, it will be difficult for coach Ernie Nierras' wards as Cebu FC will be aiming for all three points and kick off their campaign on a high. Should they come out with a win, they'll easily skip past Maharlika FC for fourth. So if you thought this Monday's double-header is just a battle between the midfield, well, you are in for a treat.

3) Better broadcast quality every matchday

Photo credits: Philippines Football League

It is not a secret that this writer's been a part of the media and broadcast team for the Copa Paulino Alcantara and I've seen how the quality of the stream has improved from how it started this season.

Through its collective effort, the media and broadcast team of this competition is working hard to bring the fans the quality of live stream they deserve and make the viewers feel that the PFF National Training Centre has brought to their mobile devices or their television sets at home.

Every matchday, they never fail to learn from their opportunities and improve as fast as they can. This season also saw a bit more inclusive approach from its commentary panel as they were doing their shoutouts during the match.

In a small gesture, they've shown how they truly appreciate the viewing public in supporting the local club football scene by watching the games live on its social media platforms.

So if you can't make it to Carmona, make sure to watch the games through the Philippines Football League Facebook page and Youtube channel, share the stream, and comment with your shoutouts, and maybe, just maybe, your favorite commentators mention you during the match!