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I-League Preview: Dempo - Viva Kerala
Both teams play their final game of the first phase of the I-League at the Fatorda Stadium on Thursday...
11-Nov-2009 11:56:34 PM
Dempo take on Viva Kerala in Margao on Thursday, hoping to banish all memories of the defeat against Churchill Brothers in the previous round. Kerala, on the other hand, have impressed a lot lately, with some good performances in the last 2-3 rounds. The last meetings between the two sides were in the I-League two seasons ago, with the Goans scoring a total of eight goals in the two fixtures combined, letting in only one.
Must-Win Game...
Dempo had been labeled league favourites by many after they were topping the table following the first 4-5 rounds, but suddenly they lie in third place, with Chirag United and Churchill above them. The game against Churchill Brothers was arguably the game of the season so far, with quality players all over the pitch. However, some shoddy defending let Armando Colaco's side down at crucial moments, leading to a defeat which looked unlike going into the last 15 minutes.
However, one has to view that defeat with a steady mind. It's only the first game Dempo have lost, and it was Churchill they were up against, not a lesser side. The true test lies in how Dempo will react to that defeat and move forward. If they can do that, they will be up there within the mix at the end of the season, which by all means they should be, considering the squad they have.
Viva Kerala are no Churchill, but they're not the Viva Kerala of the first four rounds either. The introduction of Wisut Bunpeng has helped their cause immensely, while encouraging perforamances against Sporting, East Bengal, and Mahindra have boosted their confidence and self-belief. They will pose an interesting first game for Dempo after their first defeat in the league, that's for sure, and the Goans will need to take the three points to stay in touch with the league leaders.
Getting Into Gear...
Viva were down and out after the first four rounds of the league. Four defeats, zero goals scored, and the "crown" of being relegation favourites on their heads, they were staring down the barrel. However, a win against Sporting has really done wonders for them. It made them believe that they could indeed win games against quality sides in the league, and also, it made them believe that they could score goals.
The performances against East Bengal and Mahindra have been very impressive as well, and to be honest, Sreedharan's side should have won both those games. Wisut Bunpeng has been a fantastic addition to the squad, bubbling with creativity all the time, something Viva lacked early on. The clash against Dempo might be a David vs Goliath match-up on paper,
but in truth, it will be far from it. They are on a good run at the moment, and will be looking to end this phase of the league in style.
Form Guide
Dempo
Nov 8: Churchill Brothers 3-2 Dempo
Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo
Oct 28: JCT 1-2 Dempo
Viva Kerala
Nov 6: Mahindra United 1-1 Viva Kerala
Nov 2: Viva Kerala 0-1 East Bengal
Oct 29: Viva Kerala 4-2 Sporting Clube de Goa
Team News
Dempo
Good news on this front for Armando Colaco, as he has a fully fit squad to choose from, apart from the long-term absentees like Mahesh Gawli, John Dias, and Sameer Naik, who are still out.
Viva Kerala
A few problems for the away side with regards to injuries and suspensions, as Naushad, Siraj, P Rahul, and Surjit all carrying injuries. Out of the four, Surjit is likely to recover in time for the game. Also, Charles Dzisah is suspended, and will play no part in the game.
Players To Watch
Dempo - Ranti Martins
If the Churchill game was a sign of things to come, Ranti Martins is well and truly back. He hasn't quite hit the heights of previous seasons in recent months, but the two goals against the champions will give him enough confidence to get back into the groove. The second of those goals is already a major contender for goal of the season.
Viva Kerala - MP Sakeer
Sakeer has been in fine form recently, and was brilliant against Mahindra United as well. The midfielder has also been likened to Cesc Fabregas by some of the Viva fans, and will be crucial to his side's attacking forays against Dempo.
Key Areas..
The key area in this game will be the Dempo defence. They were quite poor at times against Churchill, and showed what they're missing in Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik. If Dempo can keep out concentration lapses, then the game should be theirs, but don't be surprised if Viva Kerala spring a surprise and get some sort of a result at the Fatorda Stadium.
Atishay Agarwal
Must-Win Game...
Dempo had been labeled league favourites by many after they were topping the table following the first 4-5 rounds, but suddenly they lie in third place, with Chirag United and Churchill above them. The game against Churchill Brothers was arguably the game of the season so far, with quality players all over the pitch. However, some shoddy defending let Armando Colaco's side down at crucial moments, leading to a defeat which looked unlike going into the last 15 minutes.
However, one has to view that defeat with a steady mind. It's only the first game Dempo have lost, and it was Churchill they were up against, not a lesser side. The true test lies in how Dempo will react to that defeat and move forward. If they can do that, they will be up there within the mix at the end of the season, which by all means they should be, considering the squad they have.
Viva Kerala are no Churchill, but they're not the Viva Kerala of the first four rounds either. The introduction of Wisut Bunpeng has helped their cause immensely, while encouraging perforamances against Sporting, East Bengal, and Mahindra have boosted their confidence and self-belief. They will pose an interesting first game for Dempo after their first defeat in the league, that's for sure, and the Goans will need to take the three points to stay in touch with the league leaders.
Getting Into Gear...
Viva were down and out after the first four rounds of the league. Four defeats, zero goals scored, and the "crown" of being relegation favourites on their heads, they were staring down the barrel. However, a win against Sporting has really done wonders for them. It made them believe that they could indeed win games against quality sides in the league, and also, it made them believe that they could score goals.
The performances against East Bengal and Mahindra have been very impressive as well, and to be honest, Sreedharan's side should have won both those games. Wisut Bunpeng has been a fantastic addition to the squad, bubbling with creativity all the time, something Viva lacked early on. The clash against Dempo might be a David vs Goliath match-up on paper,
but in truth, it will be far from it. They are on a good run at the moment, and will be looking to end this phase of the league in style.
Form Guide
Dempo
Nov 8: Churchill Brothers 3-2 Dempo
Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo
Oct 28: JCT 1-2 Dempo
Viva Kerala
Nov 6: Mahindra United 1-1 Viva Kerala
Nov 2: Viva Kerala 0-1 East Bengal
Oct 29: Viva Kerala 4-2 Sporting Clube de Goa
Team News
Dempo
Good news on this front for Armando Colaco, as he has a fully fit squad to choose from, apart from the long-term absentees like Mahesh Gawli, John Dias, and Sameer Naik, who are still out.
Viva Kerala
A few problems for the away side with regards to injuries and suspensions, as Naushad, Siraj, P Rahul, and Surjit all carrying injuries. Out of the four, Surjit is likely to recover in time for the game. Also, Charles Dzisah is suspended, and will play no part in the game.
Players To Watch
Dempo - Ranti Martins
If the Churchill game was a sign of things to come, Ranti Martins is well and truly back. He hasn't quite hit the heights of previous seasons in recent months, but the two goals against the champions will give him enough confidence to get back into the groove. The second of those goals is already a major contender for goal of the season.
Viva Kerala - MP Sakeer
Sakeer has been in fine form recently, and was brilliant against Mahindra United as well. The midfielder has also been likened to Cesc Fabregas by some of the Viva fans, and will be crucial to his side's attacking forays against Dempo.
Key Areas..
The key area in this game will be the Dempo defence. They were quite poor at times against Churchill, and showed what they're missing in Mahesh Gawli and Sameer Naik. If Dempo can keep out concentration lapses, then the game should be theirs, but don't be surprised if Viva Kerala spring a surprise and get some sort of a result at the Fatorda Stadium.
Atishay Agarwal
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