PETROGAZZ, in a warm-up for an unpredictable semifinals next Tuesday, faces Nxled today to cap off the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference preliminaries at the Philsports Arena.

The Angels have been on a roll lately, sweeping their last four matches, including a crucial win over fellow semifinalist Creamline.

PetroGazz hopes to emerge triumphant over the Chameleons in their 4 p.m. match to serve as a confidence builder for the Angels to the short but tough single-round semis.

With the semifinal cast confirmed, featuring Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo, PetroGazz will determine the final rankings in the Top 4, setting the stage for the first semis matches on Tuesday at the same Pasig venue.

The top-ranked team in the prelims will face the No. 3 squad at 6 p.m. while the second- and fourth-ranked teams will clash in the 4 p.m. opener, also at the Pasig venue.

A three- or four-set victory for the Angels will secure them a 9-2 record, clinching the top spot and setting up an intriguing showdown with the Cool Smashers, who will finish fourth with an 8-3 record.

Creamline is actually level with PLDT, but it has superior points, 24-23, to seal the fourth spot. The High Speed Hitters were eliminated despite beating the Cool Smashers, 26-24, 23-25, 19-25, 25-12, 15-9, on Thursday night.

Choco Mucho and Chery Tiggo also boast 9-2 cards with 26 and 25 points, respectively, but PetroGazz will claim the No. 1 ranking with 28 points if it secures a convincing win over Nxled.

However, a loss for the Angels could see the two-time Reinforced Conference champions drop to third or fourth place, with the Flying Titans and the Crossovers taking the top two spots.

PetroGazz coach Koji Tsuzurabara is expected to maximize his team’s potential, possibly tinkering with new combinations to add an extra edge and surprise factor against the Angels’ semis opponents.

On the other hand, Nxled, however, is determined to end their campaign on a high note.

Coach Taka Minowa wanted to see his Chameleons going all out to showcase their skills against their more experienced rivals as the team seeks to improve its 4-6 record.

Meanwhile, Cignal clashes with Capital1 at 2 p.m., while Akari and Strong Group wrap it all up at 6 p.m. with all four clubs aiming for victories and pride.