TEAM HERALD
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MARGAO: After the defeat at the hands of Mumbai Football Club, Churchill Brothers will be hoping to break the losing streak and bring cheers to the home crowd when they take on relegation threatened Hindustan Aeronautics Sports Club in a 20th round I-League match at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, Saturday.
Whether it was overconfidence which many believe or an off-day, Churchill Brothers will have to forget the loss which pushed them down in the league table.
The match against HAL is hugely important, said Denzil Ferrao, manager of Churchill. “It is a must win situation for us. If we drop points tomorrow, it will be difficult for us to move up,” contended Denzil.
“I know HAL can be dangerous since they are desperate to win every match to avoid the drop and the boys know the importance of the match tomorrow. But most importantly, one should go out and enjoy the game,” added Denzil.
Churchill who are at fifth spot with 33points from 18 encounters don’t have any injury or suspension hassles and are in a position to field the best possible line-up tomorrow. Churchill will start with all three foreign recruits – captain Roberto Mendes da Silva, Henri A and N D Opara. Gourmangi Singh will have to play a big role to play at the back.
HAL manager M Murlidharan pointed out to injuries and card suspension in the team that has weakened their strength. “We are determined to take the battle to Churchill and fight for three points,” said Murlidharan. “We have to fight as if our life depends on it.”
HAL will miss the services of defender and captain Joseph Feni, defender Biju Kumar as they are suspended on account of double booking, while midfielder Gautam Debnath continues to be plagued with an injury.
The aircraftmen will go with a 4-3-3 formation with A Hamsa and Deepak Prakash likely to pair up in the striking department while James Singh, Vinod Kumar and Malemngangaba Metei will form the midfield. Rohit Chand and Chandan Singh will be at the core of defense.
HAL are lying at the bottom with just six points from 19 matches.
