Churchill Brothers will enjoy a psychological edge over Sporting Clube de Goa when they lock horns against each other in a crucial penultimate round match of the ONGC I-League at Nehru Stadium, Margao, on Saturday.

With only two rounds to go, the inaugural I-League is poised for an interesting finish with defending champions Dempo and Churchill Brothers tied on 32 points each at the top of the table.

Dempo, who hold a superior goal difference of 19 as compared to Churchill’s 15, have a good chance to emerge champion as they play their last two round matches against bottom-placed Salgaocar and Viva Kerala.

Churchill, whose last round rival is Mumbai outfit Air India, need to win both by good margins if they are to overhaul Dempo and win the title which have eluded them on three earlier occasions.

Churchill’s win against East Bengal in their last match not only helped them boost their morale but also keep them in contention for the title along with Dempo and JCT. They are expected to field the same side that played last except left winger Robert Lalthama, who will have to sit out due to double booking.

Robert has been consistent throughout the league, has kept Churchill upfront busy with his measured crosses to put the rival defence under pressure and his absence will be felt.

Strikers Odafe Okolie and Mboyo Iyomi, who have been the key to Churchill’s success, will once again have to play a vital role if Churchill are to win with a bigger margin.