TEAM HERALD
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MAPUSA: Reigning champions Dempo are set to take on this season’s surprise package Mumbai Football Club as they meet in a Round 19 match of I-League at Duler Stadium, here, on Saturday.
Dempo will be boosted with the return of Japanese striker Ryuji Sueoka who has been declared fit to play after recovering from an injury.
Armando Colaco’s side has a lot to do against Mumbai after salvaging a late equalizer in a 1-1 draw against ONGC in the previous round.
Despite being far from their best, they have still chances to overtake Churchill Bros and East Bengal.
Sueoka will partner India international Joaquim Abranches upfront with Nigerian striker Koko Sakibo, though not fully fit from a hamstring problem.
Mahesh Gawli has been ruled out while Clifford Miranda will return to the line-up. In the centre of midfield, Colaco will have to decide between hardworking Peter Carvalho and talented Godwin Franco.
Selwyn Fernandes is likely to be the new man in Dempo’s defence which will also include Valeriano Rebello, Cressan Antao and Rowilson Rodrigues.
Dempo have 34 points in their kitty and are behind Churchill Bros (38) and East Bengal (36).
Mumbai on the other hand, have been the surprise package of this year’s I-League. Khalid Jamil’s intriguing side has taken many teams by surprise and will like to continue with more of the same against the defending champions after going down 2-0 away match to East Bengal in their last match.
Ghanaian Yusub Yakubu is likely to partner hardworking Gabriel Fernandes upfront for Mumbai.
Mumbai are placed sixth with 25 points from 17 matches.
