Mohun Bagan to meet Churchill Brothers in I-League

Kolkata: A spirited Mohun Bagan will look to upset Churchill Brothers` applecart when the top two teams lock horns in a fifth round I-League fixture at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan.

The local heavyweight will be missing the services of star striker Odafa Okolie while the Goans will not have the services of Beto and Dinesh, all of them yet to recover from injury. Bagan captain and ace forward Jose Ramirez Barreto will make a comeback and be named in the 18-man squad of the match. Surkumar and Pradeep are also likely to make a return as both have regained fitness. The teams last played in the Federation Cup where the match ended 2-2 and since then things have been very different. While Churchill Brothers went on to win the Durand Cup, Mohun Bagan went through a turmoil of chopping and changing with the exit of coach Steve Darby. However, they started off their campaign with three wins from four matches and regained confidence after the 0-5 drubbing at the hands of Dempo SC in Goa. A 5-1 win over Mumbai FC will be at the back of their minds but, in Churchill Brothers, the green and maroon brigade will face a much tougher opposition. Coach Prasanta Banerjee said, "We have to give respect to the opponent as they are former I-League Champions and have a strong team. However, we hope for a good result at home. In the I-League there will be many ups and downs just as you have witnessed. We conceded 5 goals in one match and scored 5 in the next. Hopefully things will turn in our favour." Churchill Brothers coach Manuel Gomes said, "Football and injuries go hand in hand. We have to accept that. Mohun Bagan are a strong opposition and playing at home. They have a formidable line up. However, we are here to play football and will give our best to do well in this match." PTI