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I-League Preview: Viva Kerala – Dempo SC
The meek faces the mighty...
08-Mar-2010 5:34:00 AM
By Rahul Bali
Kick-off: 1600 IST, March 8, 2010, Monday
Municipal Stadium, Calicut
Desperation...
Several clubs are locked in a relegation fight and it’s fair to slot them together at this point of time with another twelve round of matches to go. With the Indian FA wanting to make the I-League more ‘national’, the exit of Viva Kerala wouldn’t help their cause for sure.
Shillong Lajong’s victory over the weekend has increased the onus on the southern giants to produce a decent result against one of the strongest teams in the country.
Coach A.M.Sreedharan believes that his side have been putting in considerable efforts to keep the club afloat but the question is whether their best is enough for them to avoid the drop?
The positive side for Viva is that amongst the last five teams in the I-League table, their side has conceded the least number of goals which only proves that their defensive record is way better than a team lying in the tenth spot.
Go On...
Dempo won their last I-League title in the 2007-08 season by beating Viva Kerala on the final day of the season. While there were all celebrations for the Goans, it was doomsday for their opponents who were officially relegated.
Despite the increasing number of injuries in their camp, Dempo have managed to stay on top with a considerable four point lead over their nearest rivals, Mahindra United. The calibre of this side is second to none and it’s imperative for them to continue their good work as a slip-up would allow others to overtake them in the next few rounds.
Coach Armando Colaco has immense faith in his team but his defence needs to be a little wary as they haven’t been to their best. It’s time for Dempo to switch gears and prove that they are still the best as the I-League enters its crucial phase.
Anything less than a victory would be a disappointment for them as Viva have been struggling this season, as was the case when they last made an appearance in the I-League.
Form Guide
Viva Kerala
Viva Kerala 1-1 Salgaocar (I-League)
Mumbai FC 0-1 Viva Kerala (I-League)
Viva Kerala 2-1 Air India (I-League)
Dempo
Dempo 3-2 Mumbai FC (I-League)
Dempo 3-1 Mohun Bagan (I-League)
Dempo 0-0 East Bengal (I-League)
Team News
Viva Kerala
Skipper M.P.Sakeer is suspended due to double yellow while Karma shall sit out after receiving stitches near his eyebrow following the game against Salgaocar.
Dempo
Mahesh Gawli and Samir Naik haven’t travelled with the side while Sunil Chhetri joined his team-mates on Sunday morning. Clifford Miranda has recovered to be fit for the match.
Key Players
Viva Kerala
Bello Rassaq: The former Mahindra United defender will have to produce fine performance if Viva have any hopes to stopping Dempo, who are in good form. The Nigerian has been one of the major reasons of the club having a good defensive record and it’s time for it to undergo another stern test.
Dempo
Ranti Martins: Having recovered from his injury worries, Ranti is one of the most lethal strikers in the country with an exquisite first touch which is a pleasure to watch. The Kerala crowds would have loved to see it but certainly not against their beloved side.
Key Areas
Dempo’s backline isn’t one of the best but Viva’s frontline is one of the worst. A paradoxical situation but that’s the case with regards to the two teams.
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