Mumbai: Having drawn their last three matches, hosts Mahindra United will look to earn full three points when they face minnows Viva Kerala in the seventh round I-League encounter at the Cooperage here on Friday.
The local outfit, one of the top contenders for the title, is third in the league table having accumulated 10 points in six matches with the help of two victories and four draws.
A win here will propel them to the top of the table.
However, for that to happen their Nigerian striker Muritala Ali would have to produce some of the form that he has shown in the previous matches.
Coach David Booth would also be hoping for the recovery of winger Steven Dias, who missed Mahindra United’s last match against JCT due to illness.
The visitors are facing an uphill task as they are up against a side who are yet to be beaten in this year’s competition, in their own yard.
The newly promoted team, who are marginally ahead of last placed Sporting Club de Goa in the points table, have struggled so far, losing four of their five matches.
Viva Kerala’s only victory was against an out-of-form Sporting, whom they shocked 4-2 in their home match.
Bureau Report
First Published: Thursday, November 05, 2009, 15:11