Mohun Bagan seek to extend winning streak against newcomers Minerva Punjab

The Mariners' want the top spot for themselves whereas Minerva look  for maiden win...

Mohun Bagan have had immense success in their I-League fixtures this year till now under coach Sanjoy Sen as they won both their opening games defeating Churchill Brothers and Shillong Lajong respectively. The Kolkata giants currently sit in the second place of the I-League table, following league leaders Bengaluru FC and are looking forward to claiming the top spot for themselves with a win against I-League newcomers Minerva Punjab FC tomorrow.

Minerva the Punjab-based side were promoted to Indian top tier football this year and will be facing the Kolkata giants for the first time in their history at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium tomorrow. Minerva have had a busy transfer window, as they secured the services of more than 20 players from different clubs and will pose a threat to the Mariners’ title hopes if they play to their full potential.

Team News

With no injury concerns to consider against the Punjab-based side, Mohun Bagan are expected to field their strongest side against Minerva tomorrow. However, star forward Sony Norde who had just three practice sessions with the Mariners’ since his late arrival to the city is doubtful to make the cut in the final starting line-up but is expected to come on as a substitution in the late minutes. Midfielder Pronay Halder has a yellow card among the Mariners but is expected to be a part of the 18-man team against Minerva Punjab.

Minerva Punjab, on the other hand, will be without keeper Ravi Kumar through injury. Striker Manandeep Singh, Nuruddin and Vinit Rai Chanling all have one booking under their belt which makes it trickier for head coach Surinder Singh to field his first team against the Kolkata giants.

Head-to-Head

Tjis is the first meeting between the two teams.

Man to Watch:

Darryl Duffy-Mohun Bagan AC: Mohun Bagan’s Scottish forward Darryl Duffy is expected to start against Minerva following his heroics in the previous game against Shillong Lajong. Duffy currently has two I-League goals under his belt, both of which were scored in the previous week against Lajong at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium. The 32-year old is currently enjoying momentum in his performances and is expected to cause considerable damage to the Minerva rearguard.

Manandeep Singh-Minerva Punjab FC:

The misfiring Minerva forward might not be living up to his expectations since the beginning of this I-League season but with the previous experience of both playing in Kolkata and scoring against the Mohun Bagan, Singh is expected to make considerable changes in the flow of the game tomorrow. Singh’s playmaking abilities will make him an almost impeccable figure against Mohun Bagan and if used properly, the forward might just make the Mariners concede their first home goal of this season.

Probable Lineups

Mohun Bagan (4-4-2): Debjit, Kingshuk, Anas, Souvik, Kotal, Fernandes, Pranoy, Sehnaj, Katsumi, Duffy, Jeje.

Minerva Punjab (4-3-3): Kamaljit, Gurjinder, Ramandeep, Loveday, V.Kumar, Anirudh, Vinit Rai, Germanpreet, Sunday, Amobi, Manandeep.

Broadcast

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The game will broadcast live on Ten 2 at 04:30 pm IST.