I-League Preview: Churchill Brothers - Dempo

Churchill Brothers and Dempo take each other on in a Sunday bonanza in the I-League, with no fewer than three matches being played on the day. The fact that it's a derby, and that both sides are genuine title contenders this term, promises to make this match one to watch out for.

Getting Into Their Groove...

Churchill stormed through pre-season, winning the IFA Shield as well as the Durand Cup convincingly, but even though they're still unbeated in the league, they had a slower start than expected, drawing four of their first five games. Skipper Odafa Okolie was more than prolific last season, but with teams often setting out two or even three players to mark him, he's been slightly more subdued, though he scored the winner in the previous game against Air India.

Churchill are often frustrated by lesser teams, who prefer to sit back against the champions, but Dempo will be a different case altogether. Many pundits are tipping Armando Colaco's men to be the best bet for the league title this season, which should be motivation enough for Churchill, as they try to play without the handbrake on. The result against Air India was all the more crucial for the side, as they got back to winning ways before facing Dempo. The defence has been in good shape though, with Gouramangi and Naoba Singh in good form.

You Win Some, You Draw Some...

That's been the story of Dempo's league campaign so far. Also unbeaten, like Churchill, Dempo sit above the defending champions in the league table, three points behind a rampant Chirag United side. However, for them to go above the Kolkatans in the league table will be a tough ask, as they face their toughest test of the season yet. Last season was a disappointment for Dempo in the league, and they should be up for this game, trying to prove a point to the rest of the sides that they're serious about the league this time around.

They've been impressive in all departments, with Beto and Climax running the show in midfield, the defence looking solid, Chhetri doing well up front, and especially Pereira and Miranda terrorizing opposition fullbacks. It will be a new story altogether against the quality that Churchill bring to the table, but Dempo do look slight favourites going into the tie, thanks to the consistency they're showing in each third of the pitch. If Odafa can be taken care of, we will have a fantastic contest on our hands.

Form Guide

Churchill Brothers

Nov 1: Air India 2-3 Churchill Brothers

Oct 28: Churchill Brothers 1-1 Pune FC

Oct 23: JCT 1-1 Churchill Brothers

Dempo

Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo

Oct 28: JCT 1-2 Dempo

Oct 23: Dempo 2-2 Mahindra United

Team News

Churchill Brothers

The I-League champions have a fit squad at the disposal of coach Carlos Pareira.

Dempo

Mahesh Gawli, John Dias and Samir Naik are still out due to injuries.

Players To Watch

Churchill Brothers - Reisangmi Vashum

Vashum benefited tremendouslyin pre-season from the opposition's focussed attention on Odafa. The winger was left free on a number of occasions then, and if Dempo concentrate a bit too much on the skipper, Vashum will be lurking to make them pay.

Dempo - Anthony Pereira

Pereira has been in sublime form this season, and he proved it again in the previous match, equalizing late on against Pune FC. Colaco's side will look to him once again for some creativity down the flanks.

Key Areas

The key to this game might just lie down the wings. With Paite and Vashum, Churchill have two talented wingers, but Dempo have the more experienced Anthony Pereira and Clifford Miranda, who will put a lot of pressure on young fullbacks Naoba Singh and Robert. How both sets of fullbacks deal with the pressure should affect the outcome of this game.

Atishay Agarwal