I-League 2017-18: Alfred Fernandes anticipates 'fast and furious' clash against Indian Arrows

Churchill Brothers have been in fine form and Alfred Fernandes' men will try to further their good run of form against Indian Arrows after having won their last two matches in the I-League.

However, Fernandes is wary of the speed and technical abilities of the young Arrows' team and is not ready to take his opponents lightly. 

"It will be fast and furious from the Arrows’ side. They are a young side and full of exuberance. They are going from strength-to-strength and with the addition of some under-19 players; they are have grown even stronger. 

"I am positive about tomorrow's (Monday’s) game but I am not over confident. They are a bunch of superb footballers and are our country's future. I don't expect them to play second fiddle as they are playing good football against the best of teams. We expect a tough match tomorrow," said Fernandes.

The coach also mentioned that midfielder Kalu Ogba had a muscle sprain and has been responding well to the treatment. He expects the Nigerian to be fit in time for the tie. Defender Jovel Martins will not make it into the starting XI as he is yet to achieve match fitness.

Fernandes believes that his team have been playing confidently and will improve further with every game.

"I had already said that you will be witnessing a completely different Churchill Brothers side as the foreigners have brought in a lot of quality. The team is now more balanced and we are playing good football," said Fernandes.

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Indian Arrows coach Luis Norton de Matos continued to stress that his side are not playing for points but for gaining experience. 

“For us winning points is not important. We want experience and want to play good football. We want to be one of the best teams collectively and in organization. Individual mistakes, due to lack of experience, are costing us games. But they are 16-to-17 year old boys and I am happy with them," reiterated the coach. 

Matos believes that if he had only three experienced players then his side could have been in top three or four. 

"Churchill strengthened their squad in January with foreign signings and I say that if I can choose three experienced Indian players in each department, Arrows will be in top three or four,” said the Portuguese coach.

The former Benfica B coach also asserted that it will be an extra motivation for Churchill as they can come level with Arrows if the Goan side are victorious on Monday.

"We are coming to this game with back-to-back defeats whereas they have won their last two games. They also have the opportunity to catch us in the points table if they beat us tomorrow,” signed off Matos.