Margao: Salgaocar will look to bounce back
after their defeat against Chirag United when they take on a
depleted East Bengal in the 18th round I-League match at the
Nehru Stadium here on Monday.
Salgaocar suffered their first defeat under Karim
Bencherifa in the last round as they went down 1-2 against
Chirag.
The Goan club are only one point above the relegation
zone and knows how important it is to win tomorrow's match
especially after Shillong Lajong beat Mohun Bagan to move two
points above them.
Salgaocar's defence will be strengthened by the return of
Luciano Saborosa, who could not play the last match due to
double booking. Their success will largely depend on how well
the midfield and upfront combine. Striker Keita who was out of
form will have to strike a right cord with Ekene who has been
their livewire upfront.
Rocus lamare will have to play a vital role in the
midfield along with Francis Fernandes, Cataeno Fernandes and
Peter Costa to feed their strikers.
Salgaocar have injury worries but that will not deter
coach Bencharifa from collecting full points against the red
and gold brigade who look fatigued after their defeat in the
AFC Cup.
"The boys know their responsibilities and what to expect
from them. We have the home advantage and hopefully our boys
cash on the advantage and collect full points that will help
us to remain floating above the danger zone," Bencharifa said.
Kolkata giants East Bengal haven't won any of their four
league matches and have equalled their longest winless streak
in all competitions by failing to win their last 12. The title
definitely looks beyond them now and if their poor run doesn't
end they could get involved in the fight for survival.
Bencherifa's Bagan did beat East Bengal earlier in the
season so the Moroccan will be hoping for three points with
Salgaocar as well.
The red and gold brigade will be coming into this match
after yet another defeat in the AFC Cup. So fatigue will be a
problem for them.
"Scoring goals has been a problem from the beginning and
one cannot except Yakubu take the load always in the absence
of Bhutia who is nursing an injury. I don?t have enough
replacements in my squad,” stated East Bengal coach Philip de
Ridder.
Bureau Report
First Published: Sunday, March 28, 2010, 17:15