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Federation Cup Preview: Mohun Bagan - Mohammedan Sporting
And the defending champs are in action today...
21-Dec-2009 7:31:51 AM
Mohun Bagan take one
of the teams coming through the playoffs, Mohammaden Sporting on the opening
day of the Federation Cup. Bagan sit fifth on
the I-League table and have recently gained some momentum to take into the tie.
Big Fish...
Being one of the biggest and oldest clubs in India, Mohun Bagan goes into every tournament as candidates to win the trophy and this time can be no exception. They not only boast of a strong eleven but a strong squad and will look to gain momentum before the I-League resumes in January.
Bagan’s defence marshaled by Rakesh Masih, Deepak Mandal and Surkumar Singh has probably not shown the kind of quality which was expected of them, but these names along with Sangram Mukherjee in goal can be a mean deal.
The goal threat provided by their strikers Chidi Edeh and Jose Baretto will be a major concern for Mohammedan. Also the addition of Japanese Ryuiji Suoeka has strengthened their midfield. All in all, it looks a very strong side and capable enough to beat any opponents in their group.
The Outsiders...
Mohammedan may not be in the I-League this time around but they are no ‘small’ club among the elite. In fact they have the third highest support in Kolkata after Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
A club with rich history and tradition, Mohammedan will always have an outside chance of causing an upset. They have had a good run in the Kolkata league and have a well organized side. They find themselves in a group which is probably the toughest with Chirag United and Mahindra United the other two teams.
And so Mohhamedan have no way but to go for the jugular in every match as it will do them no good holding back. They will take heart from the fact that Bagan have won one, lost one and drawn one in their last three matches in top flight football.
Form Guide:
Mohun Bagan
Pune FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan
SCG 2-2 Mohun Bagan
Mohhamedan Sporting
Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 Jammu and Kashmir Bank
Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 NISA Manipur
Team News
Mohun Bagan
Mohanraj and Manju are in the treatment room and that shall give coach Karim Bencherifa something to think about.
Mohammedan Sporting
The Black and Whites have a fully fit squad at their disposal.
Players to Watch:
Mohun Bagan
Jose Barreto has been fairly quiet this season but the break in the I-League could be what he needed. He has the reputation of scoring when needed and if fit, Mohammedan are going to find it difficult to contain him.
Mohammedan Sporting
Eduardo Da Silva can be a menace if in the best of moods and that’s his greatest strength and weakness. The Brazilian striker would certainly be the main attacking threat of Shabbir Ali’s side.
Key Areas
The key area of the pitch is going to be Bagan’s attack versus Mohhamedan’s defence, who will have to rise to the occasion if they are to get a positive result. Bagan look by far the much stronger side and it will take a brave man to bet against them for this match.
Venkatesha Sharma
Big Fish...
Being one of the biggest and oldest clubs in India, Mohun Bagan goes into every tournament as candidates to win the trophy and this time can be no exception. They not only boast of a strong eleven but a strong squad and will look to gain momentum before the I-League resumes in January.
Bagan’s defence marshaled by Rakesh Masih, Deepak Mandal and Surkumar Singh has probably not shown the kind of quality which was expected of them, but these names along with Sangram Mukherjee in goal can be a mean deal.
The goal threat provided by their strikers Chidi Edeh and Jose Baretto will be a major concern for Mohammedan. Also the addition of Japanese Ryuiji Suoeka has strengthened their midfield. All in all, it looks a very strong side and capable enough to beat any opponents in their group.
The Outsiders...
Mohammedan may not be in the I-League this time around but they are no ‘small’ club among the elite. In fact they have the third highest support in Kolkata after Mohun Bagan and East Bengal.
A club with rich history and tradition, Mohammedan will always have an outside chance of causing an upset. They have had a good run in the Kolkata league and have a well organized side. They find themselves in a group which is probably the toughest with Chirag United and Mahindra United the other two teams.
And so Mohhamedan have no way but to go for the jugular in every match as it will do them no good holding back. They will take heart from the fact that Bagan have won one, lost one and drawn one in their last three matches in top flight football.
Form Guide:
Mohun Bagan
Pune FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan
SCG 2-2 Mohun Bagan
Mohhamedan Sporting
Mohammedan Sporting 1-0 Jammu and Kashmir Bank
Mohammedan Sporting 2-0 NISA Manipur
Team News
Mohun Bagan
Mohanraj and Manju are in the treatment room and that shall give coach Karim Bencherifa something to think about.
Mohammedan Sporting
The Black and Whites have a fully fit squad at their disposal.
Players to Watch:
Mohun Bagan
Jose Barreto has been fairly quiet this season but the break in the I-League could be what he needed. He has the reputation of scoring when needed and if fit, Mohammedan are going to find it difficult to contain him.
Mohammedan Sporting
Eduardo Da Silva can be a menace if in the best of moods and that’s his greatest strength and weakness. The Brazilian striker would certainly be the main attacking threat of Shabbir Ali’s side.
Key Areas
The key area of the pitch is going to be Bagan’s attack versus Mohhamedan’s defence, who will have to rise to the occasion if they are to get a positive result. Bagan look by far the much stronger side and it will take a brave man to bet against them for this match.
Venkatesha Sharma
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