PKL session 8: The first Maharashtra derby awaits U Mumbai and Pune Regiment

Vivo Pro Kabaddi has Maharashtra Derby Day on Thursday.

In the first Maharashtra derby of season 8, fifth-ranked U Mumbai will take on 11th-ranked Pune. But before that, in the first match tonight, the defending champions Bengal Warriors will face Tamil Nadu.

Check out our previews for both matches:

Match 51: Tamil War against Bengal Warriors

The previous winner made a terrible rush to the late result. They have lost four of the last five matches and are 10th in the table. Captain Maninder Singh has been the only silver lining so far this season. Raider is one of only four players to cross the 100-point mark this season. The Warriors' point is their defense. He has the lowest tackle points in the league (sixty two) and the fifth highest score (301). Coach BC Ramesh will have to find a way to improve his defense before his team slips further on the points table.

Tamil Thalaiva was in good form in their previous match, the team was spectacular overall, while Surjeet Singh and Sagar were sensational. The defensive pair combined for 15 tackle points, with Surjeet completing the game with eight and Sagar with seven. He is the league's top two tackle point scorer this season and the key to a great start to the season. Thalayavas could move to third place with a win on Wednesday and that is no less than five points.

Tamil Nadu vs Bengal Warriors

The Bengal Warriors have won seven of the eight matches against the Tamil Nadu and lost one.

Match 52: U Mumbai vs Pune Regiment

You were at the receiving end of Mumbai A.

The team has faced offense several times this season and finished the game with just 12 red points, leaving 18 tackle points. U Mumbai's defensive discipline has been the key to their success this season, but their Raiders need a more consistent performance from the team to hit a solid score in the playoffs this season.

The Pune Regiment have won just one of their first five matches this season, but their fortunes seem to be changing. Coach Anup Kumar's men have won two of the last three matches and are just seven points behind UP. Warriors, who currently occupy the final playoff spot. Raider Aslam Inamdar has emerged as a favorite to win the Best Debut Award of the Year for his offensive and effective defense. In the last match of Puneri Paltan, he scored the best 17 points of his career against Bengal Warriors. The team hopes that he can maintain his brilliant form in the Maharashtra derby against U Mumbai.

U Mumbai vs Pune Regiment face to face

U Mumbai have tasted Derby Day more often than their rivals. In his head-to-head series, he holds the record of nine-5 against Pune Regiment. The teams have shared the loot twice.

Thursday, January 13 PKL schedule

Match 51: Bengal Warriors vs Tamil Nadu, 7:30 PM IST

Match 52: U Mumbai vs Pune Regiment, 8:30 pm IST