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ShareMumbai: For a man who took over a Churchill Brothers side that was oozing with confidence under Zoran Djordevic, Brazilian Carlos Alberto Pereira hasn't been able to help the team carry on with the same momentum.
The defending champions have looked a pale shadow of themselves, managing just one win in five games to be 6th in the table. Their campaign so far has been marred with injuries and suspensions to key players, including Okolie Odafa.
In fact, as the pundits predicted, Churchill have struggled up front without Odafa. The Nigerian has been effectively blocked by the rival defenders and his strike partner Felix Chimaokwu has not been able provide the necessary support. "We don't have a good third striker. Each team has one or two men behind Odafa, making it difficult for him to break free and Felix too is not in good form. We have to score goals to win matches and that's the thing we haven't managed so far," Pereira said.
Against Air India (8th), Pereira expects a similar situation. Bimal Ghosh's side can be tough to crack at the Cooperage, a venue which they made their fortress last season. And good news for Air India is that unlike Odafa, his Nigerian counterpart ND Opara has been in prime form. Ghosh knows a team of Churchill's calibre needs just one goal to be back in the reckoning. "We have to be at our best. Plus it's our home match so we cannot afford to drop any point here," Ghosh said.
Churchill will be boosted with a full-strength squad for Pereira to choose from. Air India, meanwhile, might miss the service of midfielder Tapan Maity, who hurt his ankle against Mumbai FC on last Wednesday.
Pune FC host Dempo in other match of the day.
