Battle lines drawn as Phil banks on Paul Scholes, James relies on Andy Cole in Clear Dream Match III

By Karlo Sacamos

JAMES and Phil Younghusband are convinced they have the reinforcement who is the perfect fit to their contrasting styles of play on Saturday in the defining Clear Dream Match 3 at the University of Makati Stadium.

After getting more online votes than James, Phil earned the right to pick first between Manchester United legends Andy Cole and Paul Scholes, who will both spice up the final edition of the all-star football match that will, once and for all, settle the score on the Younghusband brothers’ rivalry.

Kickoff is set at 7:30 p.m.

The celebrated siblings split their two matches, with Phil drawing first blood with a 5-1 victory in 2012, before James avenged his setback with a 4-1 triumph last year.

And as a striker who thrives on top, Phil picked the 39-year-old Scholes, considered as one of his era’s best midfielders who can supply him goals, over Cole, a fellow forward.

“He (Scholes) can complement me. With Andy, it might be heavy up front,” Phil admitted on Friday on the eve of the charity event for the benefit of Tuloy sa Don Bosco foundation.

James was left without a choice but to select Cole, the second-highest scorer in English Premier League history with 187 goals under his belt .

The mandatory pick is turning out to be a blessing in disguise for the midfielder.

“I may not be seen in the headlines as much as my brother because Phil’s the one who taps in the ball and gets all the glory and I’m  the one who does all the hard work,” James said with a laugh. “I make him look good.”

Then he turned serious.

“It’s (facilitating) my strength,” James said. “I’m sticking to my strengths and I know if I get the ball into the box, Andy Cole will finish it off.”

It’s not only from Scholes and Cole where Phil and James will get their playmaking and firepower as the brothers each have a loaded 21-man roster bannered by Azkals and United Football League standouts at their disposal.

“It might go to extra time and then penalties and it’s really going to be dramatic,” James predicted. “The players involved this year, there’s just so much talent and it’s too close to call.”

“I’m a bit nervous with what’s at stake. But I’m quietly confident at the same time,” said the 26-year-old Phil, who is motivated by simply beating his older brother.

“This is bragging rights for life. If I win, James will never hear the end of it,” he said with a smile.

spin.ph