JOIN USIn a lacklustre season, Mohun Bagan have not won a single trophy and, with 31 points from 24 matches, are already out of contention in the 14-team league. But the currently sixth-placed green-and-maroon brigade will have a chance to make up for their poor show by finishing in the top five.
Knowing that the title is way beyond reach, Mohun Bagan technical director Subhas Bhowmick stays determined to win the remaining two matches in the league and move up the table.
"We will try to win both our encounters and end the season on a high," Bhowmick said. The last time the two teams met, Mohun Bagan prevailed by a solitary goal, and they will take confidence from that win.
Mohun Bagan's star Brazilian striker Jose Barreto has gone back home after suffering an injury and in his absence Edeh Chidi and Subair Muritala Ali will be the two strikers. Chidi, who scored twice to dent Salgaocar's title hope with a 2-2 draw, will once again take charge in Mohun Bagan's attack.
Chidi gave Mohun Bagan the lead, but Salgocar fought back to snatch the lead at half time with two back to back goals, before the Nigerian struck again to hold the Goans. JCT on the other hand are battling for survival with 24 points from 24 matches and the fact that they are yet to win in away matches will worry coach Parminder Singh.
After a defeat to Air India in their previous match, JCT slipped to the 13th position. The Punjab boys have won six of their eight home games, but their away form has seen them battle relegation -– having not managed a single win out of nine.
JCT lost to Air India 0-1 by virtue of an own goal by Rahul Kumar and that will again be a point of concern for the visitors. "Individual errors have cost us this season and here was another individual error," said Singh after their last match. But he however sounded confident for a turnaround.
"We have a bunch of players with great a spirit and a will to do well, I am sure we will bounce back."