TEAM HERALD

sports@herald-goa.com

MARGAO: The stage is set for an enthralling clash as Churchill Bros take on Federation Cup winners East Bengal in a sixth round encounter of I-League football at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Saturday, at 5.30 p.m.

East Bengal team at a practice session at Nehru  Stadium, Fatorda, Friday.

Churchill Brothers under Mariano Dias are a team which look to defy the odds. On the other hand, East Bengal under Trevor Morgan are a team driven by conviction and consistency.

The match holds a lot of significance for both clubs, Churchill Bros and East Bengal with 12 points and 11 points respectively are second and third placed respectively behind leaders Dempo.

Hoping to improve their positions, Churchill Bros and East Bengal are determined to adopt a positive attacking approach and go all-out for a win and grab full three points. The two faced each other this season in Federation Cup semi-final in which East Bengal defeated Churchill Bros 1-0 in extra time.

Churchill Bros coach Mariano Dias admitted that Saturday clash would be important for both teams. “East Bengal are a set team and are in a good rhythm.

It is going to be a very difficult match for us,” Dias told Herald on the eve of the match. “We will try our best to record a win as we want to go forward. We are keen to be on the top,” he added.

“It will be tough and it depends on how the team plays on the match day. We have prepared ourselves to the best of our ability and the boys are going to give their 100 percent. We are confident we can beat them and avenge our earlier loss,” Dias stated.

Churchill Brothers will start with all four foreigners – Lebanese striker Akram Moghrabi will spearhead the attack. Brazilian Roberto Mendes da Silva will marshall the midfield alongwith Binesh Balan Lenny Rodrigues and Tomba Singh. Defender Bilai Najarian will have a big role to play at the back.

Goalkeeper Sandip Nandi who was brilliant so far will look to keep his slate clean.

“Churchill Bros are a good side and we would hope for a good match tomorrow. Records don’t matter much. It will be a new match and will have different Plans,” Morgan said. “We are looking to gain three points. The game is very important and I am confident that he boys will rise to the occasion,” Morgan added. The midfield will be manned by Nigerian Pen Orji, Mehtab Hossain, Sanju Pradhan and Lalrindika Ralte. Edeh Chidi will be looked upon to provide the breakthrough.