GOA: Sporting Clube de Goa have been forced to reshuffle most of their side as they come face to face against the rejuvenated Pune FC in the 18th round I League encounter at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Sporting Clube saw two of their players -- Jovel Martins and Adil Khan -- sent off in the last match against Prayag United. And as if that was not enough, influential defender Keita Boubacar will also miss the next tie due to a double booking.
“We are facing huge problems at the back. Keita is suspended, Jovel got sent off in the last match and Boboi Singh was injured against Mohun Bagan when Odafe elbowed him. It will be a tough ask to come up with a strong defence,” said Sporting technical director Alex Alvares.
Sporting Clube are now unbeaten in their last five matches, winning three and drawing the other two. The team has generally looked good and Alvares is hoping they carry the momentum against the visitors.
“Despite the setbacks, our advantage is that we are playing at home. The players are motivated and I am sure they will grab full points,” said Alvares.
With Keita suspended, it remains to be seen whether Alvares will start with South African striker Park Jae-Hyun or decides to field the strong Dawson Fernandes to partner South Sudan striker James Moga.
“We have not as yet finalized the starting eleven. Since there will be plenty of changes to the side, we intend to finalize the squad only on the morning of the match. I need to monitor the fitness of a couple of players,” said the Sporting technical director.
Pune FC are now unbeaten for nine matches and have looked good enough to give any side a run for their money. With Abhra Mondal guarding in goal and Keita Mandjou striking with ease, Derrick Pereira’s side have only grown in stature.
Sporting Clube stays at 24 points from 17 matches while Pune FC have 28 points from 17 outings.
Mumbai FC up against Dempo SC
Pune: Fighting to stay out of relegation zone, Mumbai FC face an uphill task, when they meet league leaders Dempo SC in the 18thround I League encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground, on Wednesday.
If Mumbai FC gets back on its winnings ways after five losses on the trot—its last win came at home on Balewadi Sports Complex ground against Prayag United SC.
Mumbai job gets tougher with two back-to-back matches against title contenders and leaders Dempo SC on Wednesday and second against Churchill Brothers over the weekend.
“Morale of the team is low after losing to Air India in Mumbai last week. And with Dempo as next opponent, it doesn’t help, but our boys would put in more than 100 percent tomorrow and see whether we can win at least a point against Goan giants,” said Mumbai FC manager Henry Picardo.
Dempo is best in the business and after little slump in December, they are back to where they deserve. With 37 points from 17 matches
“The way Dempo has played so far is very impressive. They are best in India no doubt, but our job is to give them a tough fight,” added Picardo.
The match has been rescheduled by one hour to be played at 4 pm after both the teams agreed to the timings.
“We had a meeting today and even Dempo wanted to play at 4 pm because now light is there beyond 6 pm,” informed Picardo.
Dempo are at 37 points from 17 matches while Mumbai stays at 14 points from 17 outings.
HAL face Shillong Lajong
BANGALORE: Bottom-placed HAL Bangalore who registered their first win of the season against Chirag United are all set take on Shillong Lajong FC in the 18th round I League encounter at the Bangalore Football stadium, on Wednesday.
Post the win, the Aircraftmen looked far more relaxed, which also reflected in their practice session at the match venue. HAL manager M Muralidharan did not reveal much about the game. However, he’ll be missing R C Prakash, out due to double booking. Also, quite apparent that he is going with the same plan that fetched him three-points.
Shillong Lajong FC coach Pradhyum Reddy who expects his team to secure all the points against the lowly placed HAL will be missing heavily on midfielder Rennedy Singh, out injured, another player signed on the January transfer window.
“We have to stay alert of HAL, they are a capable side and had registered their first win. They will be out to score another win,” Reddy quipped with cautious approach.
Shillong Lajong stays at 18 points from 17 matches while HAL is languishing at the bottom of the table with 6 points from 17 outings.
Match is slated for 3 pm on Wednesday 01/02/2012.