I-LEAGUE Media Team

KOLKATA: Chart-toppers McDowell’s Mohun Bagan resume their Hero I-League title challenge on Sunday afternoon against Dempo SC side, who have recently appointed veteran Trevor James Morgan as their new Head Coach.

Mohun Bagan, who had a brilliant start to their league campaign, look depleted with a number of key members missing due to various reasons. Shilton Paul, the captain of the side, is still unavailable, while Pritam Kotal is taking part in the preparatory camp for the U-23 national side.

The biggest name on the list of absentees is Sony Norde, who is suspended in the fixture after getting the marching orders against Dempo in the last match. In absence of the attacker, Jeje Lalpekhlua, the highest scoring Indian of the ISL is set to feature in the first XI. Balwant Singh will start upfront with Pierre Boya.

Sukhen Dey, who had played for United Sports Club in the past, may earn his first Hero I-League appearance this season as a make-shift right-back in the absence of Pritam.

“There is no point lamenting about players who are unavailable. We will have to fight with the players who are there,” Sanjoy Sen, the coach of the side was quoted saying.

“Dempo are a good team and they have a new coach. Only a win can change their situation and we have to be very cautious,” he opined about the opponents.

On the other hand, Trevor James Morgan, who had successful stints in Indian football with East Bengal and Kerala Blasters in the past, has come back to take charge of an I-League outfit once again. Dempo had managed to win only a single match among their 8 encounters under the tutelage of Arthur Papas and will hope for a steep upward in the performance graph from now on.

A big blow to the team’s hopes is the unavailability of Aussie striker Tolgay Ozbey, who is still nursing a calf tear. However, all the other three foreigners namely Carlos Hernandez, Haroon Amiri and Calum Angus are available on Sunday.

The team will be missing the services of crafty winger Mandar Rao Desai and midfielder Prabir Das, who are also on national duty with the U-23 side.

While the Mariners have beaten the Golden Eagles only once in their last five I-League encounters, a win in this tie can help them extend their lead at the top of the table. On the other hand, a hugely promising Dempo squad will be eager to take their campaign back on track under the shrewd tactician.

Match KO: Mar 22 @4:30 PM IST (Ten Action)
 

Hashtag: #MMBvDEM