<p>Promoted HASC, who made a rousing start to the season with two wins from their opening two matches before stuttering to two losses and a draw in their next three, will be eyeing new-entrants AIFF XI as the perfect opportunity to end an eventful year on high before they return to Bangalore to play their first home match.<br /><br />They will be strengthened by the return of mercurial winger Xavier Vijay Kumar who missed the match against Chirag United due to suspension. Nigerian striker Abdulla Hamza will also return for Thursdaay’s match though the Aircraftmen will be without key midfielder James Singh who is yet to fully recover from his injury. “Xavier will return after serving suspension due to double booking. Abdulla will also play but James is yet to recover from his injury,” said HASC coach Thyagaraj whose side have collected seven points from five matches. “We will go all out for a win,” he added.<br /><br />On the other hand, AIFF XI, who notched up their maiden I-League win in their previous match against Air India, appear confident of pulling out another surprise.<br /><br />The Delhi-based side, who have collected four points from five matches, will be bolstered by the return of captain Raju Gaikwad. Gaikwad’s return would spell good news for AIFF XI as he will strengthen the inexperienced backline.</p>
<p>Promoted HASC, who made a rousing start to the season with two wins from their opening two matches before stuttering to two losses and a draw in their next three, will be eyeing new-entrants AIFF XI as the perfect opportunity to end an eventful year on high before they return to Bangalore to play their first home match.<br /><br />They will be strengthened by the return of mercurial winger Xavier Vijay Kumar who missed the match against Chirag United due to suspension. Nigerian striker Abdulla Hamza will also return for Thursdaay’s match though the Aircraftmen will be without key midfielder James Singh who is yet to fully recover from his injury. “Xavier will return after serving suspension due to double booking. Abdulla will also play but James is yet to recover from his injury,” said HASC coach Thyagaraj whose side have collected seven points from five matches. “We will go all out for a win,” he added.<br /><br />On the other hand, AIFF XI, who notched up their maiden I-League win in their previous match against Air India, appear confident of pulling out another surprise.<br /><br />The Delhi-based side, who have collected four points from five matches, will be bolstered by the return of captain Raju Gaikwad. Gaikwad’s return would spell good news for AIFF XI as he will strengthen the inexperienced backline.</p>