MARGAO: Having registered a comfortable 4-1 victory over Sporting Clube de Goa in their second match and already being guaranteed a place in the semi-final stage, strong contenders Dempo Sports Club look to carry on the momentum when they face Mumbai Football Club in Group A league encounter of the 36th Hero Federation Cup, at Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, here, on Monday, 7 p.m.
Dempo occupy the top position in the group and have six points while Mumbai FC have four points from three outings.
Dempo will be looking to extend their unbeaten streak and have the advantage from their fans.
They will look for Tolgay Ozbey and Romeo Fernandes for inspiration and the likes of Rowilson Rodrigues and Harron Fakruddin to keep the defence tight.
The Arthur Papas coached team conceded only a goal till now. Marshalling the midfield with fluidity will be India internationals Lenny Rodrigues and Francis Fernandes, who work tirelessly.
On the other hand, Mumbai FC will also be hoping for an inspiring performance from ex-Dempo play maker and former India skipper Climax Lawrence in order to lift the morale of the side.
Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil will hope his midfield to dish out a compact display and control right from the beginning. And for that to happen, the likes of Tasuke Matsuage, Rahul Beke and Jayesh Rane will have to identify and exploit the chinks in Dempo’s armour and link up well with Brazilian striker Josimar Da Silva Martins. Ashutosh Mehta will be out on account of suspension.
At Tilak Maidan, Vasco, Pune FC take on Bengaluru FC, at 4 p.m.
