I-League: Norde to play despite niggle as Bagan take on Bharat FC

Kolkata: Mohun Bagan ace forward Sony Norde is likely to play despite an injury niggle as debutants Bharat FC will feel the heat when they take on the table toppers in their I-League football encounter at Salt Lake Stadium, here on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan will miss the services of veteran midfielder Lalkamal Bhowmick who is still hospitalized after getting injured in the last tie. Bikramjit Singh will come back from suspension and is likely to pair up with Sehnaj Singh in the midfield.

Dependable right back Pritam Kotal is also likely to return in the starting XI at the expense of Anwar Ali, which would mean that Kingshuk Debnath will pair up with Bello Rasaq in central defence.

"We have a long journey ahead of us. Just like claiming we are almost the champions, it is also bad to criticize the boys for their performance in a single match. Bharat FC have a number of players like Gouramangi, Lester, Ravanan and Nabi and they will try to show their best against Mohun Bagan," Bagan coach Sanjoy Sen said.

Mohun Bagan, who are currently leading the charts with 25 points from 11 matches, have not yet tasted a single defeat in this campaign and will be eager to extend their lead further.

Bharat FC are currently placed ninth with 11 points from 11 games. Mohun Bagan lead the standings, having collected 25 points from 11 games. Bharat FC come into the match on the back of a 0-3 defeat at home against East Bengal and against Mohun Bagan in the away match they will be under severe pressure.

Their head coach Stuart Watkiss agreed that his side had a challenging game in store but expected his side to show renewed commitment and dedication. "We are not coming into this game with the best of results behind us. We were off the pace in the first half in the game against East Bengal. We improved in the second half which was pleasing to see but I have impressed upon the lads on importance of converting the chances that we create," he said.

The Pune outfit's forward line has been a concern in the inaugural season as apart from New Zealand international Kris Bright, only two Bharat FC players have found the back of the net so far.

"In the last game, Lester Fernandez, Syed Rahim Nabi, Omar Jarun, Romuald Boco and Bobby Hassell along with a couple of others had great chances. I earnestly believe that the boys will get sharper with each game and we will soon see some new faces scoring goals."

Mehrajuddin Wadoo will return to the playing XI for Bharat FC after missing out against East Bengal due to suspension.