An injury-stricken Mohun Bagan Super Giant will likely be resuming its efforts to discover a place within the AFC Cup knock-out spherical after the worldwide break when it meets Odisha FC at residence in Salt Lake Stadium in a Group D league match on Monday.
With two rounds remaining, the four-team group motion is poised curiously with MBSG (presently at seven factors from 4 outings) needing to win each its matches to make sure a passage to the subsequent spherical.
It is presently tied on factors with Bashundhara Kings from Bangladesh however is positioned beneath it on the head-to-head report, having misplaced to the latter in Dhaka earlier this month.
The upcoming match turns into essential for each the opponents as Odisha FC additionally has an opportunity to qualify being separated by a degree from the highest two sides.
ALSO READ | ISL 2023-24: With kids exhibiting the way in which, Chennaiyin FC’s Coyle chooses to have a look at the brighter facet regardless of draw
“It will be an important match as both the teams have the opportunity to be in the next round. So, it is going to be a tough match. They have very good players, but our target is to win the match and better our chances,” mentioned the MBSG head coach Juan Ferrando.
What is worrying the host is the harm to at the least 4 of its key gamers. After winger Ashique Kuruniyan was dominated out for a very long time earlier, Mohun Bagan SG noticed centre-back Anwar Ali and ahead Manvir Singh additionally changing into unavailable owing to accidents.
Dimitri Petratos can also be uncertain for the match, which might imply that Mohun Bagan won’t be able to utilise the total quota of foreigners in case the Australian striker is dominated unfit. The Mariners had registered a snug 4-0 win in opposition to Odisha whereas visiting the latter within the first spherical of the group league motion.
“Injuries in football are normal and happen to every side. What is important is that we have a big squad and we will prepare the other players who can come as replacements. I do not like to lose my energy thinking about Ashique, Anwar or Manvir not being here. Their absence is disappointing as we like our players but would be better to devote our energy to players who will be taking the field tomorrow and support the team strongly,” was how Ferrando sought to allay the harm issues about his group.
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com