Mahindra take on East Bengal

Guilty of dropping points against I-League newcomers Shillong Lajong FC in their opening match — being let down by poor finishing — reigning champions Mahindra United are looking to bounce back strongly when they meet East Bengal in the final Group ‘D’ league match of the Durand Cup at the Ambedkar Stadium, New Delhi on Friday.

Following Lajong’s surprise 1-0 victory over East Bengal on Wednesday, Mahindra United need to beat East Bengal by a two goal margin in their final league match to ensure themselves of a place in the last-four stage.

The team under coach David Booth has been playing well, but the efforts have not been rewarded with the end product missing.

The inability to provide the finishing touch despite dishing out fluent approach play has been an area of concern for Mahindra United so far this season, which also led to their early exit in the IFA Shield.

Meanwhile, a struggling East Bengal side that has made a disastrous start to their season, making an exit at the group stage of the IFA Shield, are looking to salvage some pride.