Following the I-League has been like watching a thriller with 76 days of unadulterated football.
The local giants will look to gather maximum points with Yakubu’s comeback in the side
MUMBAI: Following the I-League has been like watching a thriller with 76 days of unadulterated football. With the climax building up in the last few games, the tournament promises to be more and more engaging. There has been cut-throat competition and the excitement has sent the adrenaline rush within every spectator on and off the field.
Saturday’s game between Mahindra United and Sporting Club de Goa is going to be another flier as both teams will play to script their own survival story. While local giants Mahindra United will try to pocket maximum points to climb up the league table, the Goan outfit will fight to avoid relegation.
It might seem contrasting but Sporting’s thirst for victory will be more intense than the Red Devils, as the latter has had their share of comeuppance owing to overconfidence and player injury.
Having been thrashed 3-0 by Viva Kerala in Calicut and the recent loss to East Bengal in Kolkata, Mahindra is low on confidence and the onus will be on coach Derrick Pereira to regroup the players for the last few games. “The boys were disappointed after the loss to East Bengal, but we will play to win on Saturday,” Pereira said.
Veteran striker Yusif Yakubu, who will be making a comeback on Saturday, is the only consolation for the Mahindra coach as he would be looking at the Ghanaian striker to score for his team after a long layoff owing to hamstring injury. Yakubu’s presence will be a bonus for the Mahindras as he would add to the attack with Douhou and Pomeyie.
The local giants will have to win all the three games against Sporting, Air India and Mohun Bagan to fancy a berth within the top three and cannot afford to allow complacency take the better of them.
“Sporting are a young side and they have a good mid-field. We’ll be watchful. The hunt will be on,” Pereira said.
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