Internet Desk: High on their three consecutive home wins, Kolkata soccer giants Mohun Bagan will look to record a away win and make it four in four when they take on newbies Chennai City FC at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Saturday.
Bagan pummelled Minerva Punjab FC at the Rabindra Sarovar Stadium in their last game, welcoming star Haitian Sony Norde in the same match and defender Eduardo Fereirra. Norde sizzled with his trickery on the ball although the goals were scored by Darryl Duffy and Jeje Lalpekhlua.
“Every match is equally important. We always go into a match with a target to win. And the match coming up against Chennai City FC will be no different.”
Sanjoy Sen will be a lot relaxed with the performances of his strikers. Scottish striker Darryl Duffy is already showing signs that he can turn into a nemesis for opponent defenders. Duffy has already found back of the net on four occasions in 3 matches. AIFF player of the year Jeje Lalpekhlua scored a brace in the last match against Minerva Punjab FC while Balwant Singh has got his name in the goal scorers list.
The gaffer might play either Jeje or Balwant with Duffy in tomorrow’s match. The rest team may remain the same that played against Minerva at Rabindra Sarobar.
“The biggest positive for me is that my bench strength is very strong so I can have the luxury of rotating my players,” said Sanjay Sen on the eve of the match.
Duffy has started the I League with a bang. According to the striker, “We are playing a s a team and that has been the biggest positive for us in the first three matches.”
It’s virtually turning out to be a three way race for the title with defending champions Bengaluru FC registering a hundred percent record so far and Bagan’s arch rivals East Bengal also winning the last two matches after drawing the first one against Aizawl FC.
According to Duffy, “We are not concerned with Bengaluru FC. We are looking at one match at a time. We will settle down as a strong unit after playing together for a few more matches.”
Coming to the home side, Chennai coached by Robin Charles Raja have found their going difficult like fellow newcomers Minerva and Churchill Brothers who returned to action after a two-year hiatus.
Under-cooked side and lack to preparation time have been the reasons for their poor show so far and it is highly unlikely, they would win on Saturday. The only point they have garnered so far was against Minerva, playing a goalless draw at home.
Mohun Bagan coach showed a lot of respect for the newbie in the I League. According to the gaffer, “What I have noticed that the teams like Chennai City FC and Churchill Brothers is improving with each game. So the match coming up against Chennai City FC will be a tough one.”