I-League Preview: Mohun Bagan – Mohammedan Sporting

Mohun Bagan and Mohammedan Sporting square off in a Kolkata derby later this evening in a 15th round I-League encounter at the Salt Lake Stadium.

On And Off The Field…

For the last nine rounds, Mohun Bagan have been known for their activities on the field. They have kept on winning games and thus establishing themselves as the firm favourites for the I-League title. The players and the coaches have done their job with utmost care and attention.

When a team does or doesn’t do well, everyone wants to look at the negative side of it. However, the onus is on the players and the club to not let this happen.

On Saturday night, Lalwampuia was arrested and thus brought the club to disgrace yet again. This incident has given everyone enough opportunities to discuss the evil at Bagan.

There is another off the field event but which could act as a morale booster. Coach Karim Bencherifa celebrates his 41st birthday today which might inspire the players to give more than they usually do and thus gift the coach an important three points.

On paper, Mohun Bagan look set for another victory and extend their victorious run to 10 league matches. But would the Lalwampuia incident affect the team or will it be the birthday of coach Bencherifa at the forefront?

Pressure…

With Chirag United winning their games last evening, the pressure on Mohammedan Sporting has increased. They find themselves three points behind their fellow Kolkata side.

Mohammedan ended their barren run with a win over JCT in the last round and their foreigners are making some bombastic statements already. They haven’t been defeated by the Green and Maroons this season in three meetings; a stat which talks in their favour.

The addition of Eugene Gray has definitely made the squad look much better and Mike Okoro has showed some desire to remain in the top division off-late. The officials are doing their job by announcing incentives to keep up the players’ confidence and hope not to plunge down.

Can Shabbir Ali’s men pull off a surprise victory and thus, end Mohun Bagan’s glorious run?

Form Guide…

Mohun Bagan…

February 6th ’09 Mohun Bagan 1-0 Sporting Clube De Goa (I-League)

February 1st ’09 Air India 1-2 Mohun Bagan (I-League)

January 23rd ’09 Mumbai FC 0-3 Mohun Bagan (I-League)

Mohammedan Sporting…

February 7th ’09 Mohammedan 2-0 JCT (I-League)

January 31st ’09 Mohammedan 0-1 Sporting Clube De Goa (I-League)

January 25th Air India 1-1 Mohammedan (I-League)

Team News…

Mohun Bagan have left out an out of sorts Lalwampuia for his off the field behaviour. Mohammedan are without Sovan Chakraborty due to injury and Gautam Thakur looks a likely replacement.

Key Areas…

Mohammedan’s midfield is weak and Bagan should impose themselves on their opponents. The former have one of the worst defences in the league which should excite Bagan players to add their name to the scoresheet.

Key Players…

Bhaichung Bhutia: He has been in scoring touch in the New Year after his trip to Hong Kong. The Sikkimese Snper does come up with important goals in key games.

Mike Okoro: This is one player whom Mohammedan would want to shine as he can single-handedly turn things around.      

Rahul Bali.