I-League Comment: The Champions play the League leaders while the 'Contenders' fight it out in what could be a massive gameweek

Things are hotting up in the I-League as Goal.com's Debjit Lahiri looks into the massive clashes that may prove pivotal in deciding this season's champion.

26-Jan-2012 7:05:00 AM

By Debjit Lahiri

More On :  Churchill Brothers SC, Dempo Sports Club, East Bengal, Mohun Bagan, Salgaocar SC
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We are into that time of the season when the picture at the top of the league becomes more clearer than perhaps it was at the start. For I-League, however, one wouldn't yet fancy a bet, as more than a couple of teams find themselves in running for the top honour.

The 17th round of I-League begins this Friday with the potential to be a significant point in terms of the final standings. First of all, it is the two contenders East Bengal and Churchill Brothers who lock horns in what could well decide the number one challengers for the League leaders, Dempo.

Meanwhile, the Blues from Goa, will also be in action this week as they face the in-form defending champions Salgaocar, hoping to restore their lead at the top of the table.

Mohun Bagan have recently fallen down the pecking order with a series of disappointing results but given the big names they have in the team, one wouldn't rule them out as outsiders just as yet, although the likes of Prayag United currently stand above them in the table.

The Mariners have a comparatively easier game in hand against Pailan Arrows and with all four other contenders in danger of dropping points, it is the perfect opportunity for them to get back among the mix.


Churchill Brothers Vs East Bengal
Date: 27th Jan. 2012 | Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Margao

Trevor Morgan's men are fresh from a 2-0 victory over bottom placed HAL and are just 3 points behind Dempo. Churchill Brothers, on the other hand, has had a wobbly run of form, having been comprehensively beaten by Salgaocar last week.

A loss for Churchill will be a major set-back for the Goans as they already trail Dempo by 7 clear points. However home conditions might play to their advantage.

East Bengal are the likely to go all the way in the title race along with Dempo and a win for them will put immense pressure on the Goans, who themselves, are going to play a tight derby against Salgaocar.

Head To Head:

Last 3 Meetings-

East Bengal 0-1 Churchill Brothers | I-League 2011-12 | 22nd October 2011

Churchill Brothers 2-1 East Bengal | I-League 2010-11 | 22nd May 2011

East Bengal 2-2 Churchill Brothers | I-League 2010-11 | 29th Jan. 2011
Mohun Bagan Vs Pailan Arrows
Date: 27th Jan. 2012 | Venue: Saltlake Stadium, Kolkata

The Mariners are on a rough run of form and a match against minnows Pailan Arrows couldn't have been any better timed.

The U-23 prodigies have found the going tough among the big boys as they languish in the bottom half of the table.

For much of the season, Mohun Bagan has been there or there about with the likes of East Bengal and Dempo at the top of the table. However, recent losses against Sporting Clube de Goa and Prayag United have put serious doubts on their credentials.

While the defense still remain a problem, the over-dependency on Odafa Okolie is clearly showing in their performances. With 27 points in their kitty, they lie 9 points behind Dempo, with their title aspirations severely dented.

It is, however, expected that the Mariners will take all 3 points out of this encounter, having had won the earlier fixture 1-3 at the same stadium. They would be hoping for favourable results elsewhere, as a draw in both of the week's big matches will suit perfectly for them.

Head To Head:

Last 3 Meetings-

Pailan Arrows 1-3 Mohun Bagan | I-League 2011-12 | 23rd October 2011

Pailan Arrows 5-4 Mohun Bagan | I-League 2010-11 | 29th May 2011

Mohun Bagan 2-0 Pailan Arrows | I-League 2010-11 | 29th Jan. 2011
Dempo SC Vs Salgaocar
Date: 29th Jan. 2012 | Venue: Fatorda Stadium, Margao

In what promises to be a massive Goan derby, Karim Bencherifa's rejuvenated men would like to reignite their title aspirations by cutting short Dempo's lead at the top. Salgaocar have 28 points on board and are 8 behind after a rather inconsistent start to their season, which saw them lie as low as the seventh position.

However, some recent good results, including an impressive win over Churchill Brothers, have seen them steadily rise upto the fourth spot.

Dempo, on the other hand, had taken the league by storm at the start of the season, before falling prone to some inconsistent performances. However, similar results elsewhere too has meant that they still have managed a handy lead at the top.

It took two late goals, one via a controversial penalty, for them to defeat newly promoted side Shillong Lajong last week and Armando Colaco would be very much aware that a similar performance against the confident Salgaocar could prove disastrous.

Head To Head:

Last 3 Meetings-

Salgaocar 0-1 Dempo SC | I-League 2011-12 | 22nd October 2011

Salgaocar 1-3 Dempo SC | I-League 2010-11 | 23rd April 2011

Dempo SC 1-3 Salgaocar | I-League 2010-11 | 19th Jan. 2011

Who So You Think Will Win The Matches? Give In Your Views...
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