PLDT tries to keep itself inside the Top 5 of the standings when it tangles with Choco Mucho on Thursday, Jan. 23, in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.

Still on a high from their straight-set victory over archrival Akari Chargers over the weekend, the High Speed Hitters gun for their second straight win in their 6:30 p.m. confrontation with the Flying Titans.

PLDT currently sports a 4-2 win-loss card and a victory would bolster their hold of the fourth spot behind Petro Gazz (6-1), Cignal (5-1) and Creamline (5-0).

But overcoming Choco Mucho is easier said than done as the Flying Titans, who are only half a game behind at 4-3, are also eager to keep their momentum going following a five-set triumph over the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles last weekend.

Choco Mucho, though, is expected to miss the services of Kat Tolentino after undergoing surgery from a ruptured appendix last Tuesday, Jan. 21.

Flying Titans coach Dante Alinsunurin, though, still has a wide arsenal spearheaded by Sisi Rondina, who remained consistent throughout with double-digit productions including an impressive 25-point output last time.

Joining forces with Rondina are Dindin Manabat, Isa Molde and Lorraine Pecana, who combined for 43 points against ZUS Coffee.

That would make an interesting matchup as PLDT, for its part, is expected to parade its own lethal weapons in Majoy Baron, Savi Davison and Erika Santos.

Meanwhile, Akari aims to brush off its bruised knees when it tangles with Nxled at 4 p.m.

The Chargers are at eighth with a 3-4 mark following their three-set loss to the High Speed Hitters, while the Chameleons are still looking at their first win after stumbling in their first six assignments including a three-set defeat over the Farm Fresh Foxies.