JCT, who stand on otherwise level ground with Mohun Bagan but are only ahead as far as goal difference is concerned, are to meet Mohun Bagan on the 16th of this month ! Infact along with Bagan, East Bengal are also stuck on 9 points from 7 matches but only they have +1 goal difference compared to -1 of Bagan! The goal difference issue has already been a thorn in the flesh for Karim Bencharifa, when last season he had to settle for the runner's up trophy coaching Churchill, who ended their I league campaign second only to Dempo, with same points as Dempo but lagging behind in goal difference!
Karim will not take any chances this season with Mohun Bagan. After grooving into the winning ways by defeating the reigning champions Dempo on their home ground, and after winning against Churchill Brothers and ending their unbeaten run in the I League, Karim has shifted all focus to the job at hand- the match against JCT. It wont be an easy match by any stretch of imagination and that is the reason why Karim would want to field his inform
players.
The defensive combination of Habibur, Odafe, Dipak, Manju seems to be working and has been successful in defending a solitary goal through out the match against Churchill- that should give them the confidence.
Upfront, Bhaichung may be supported by inform Lalawmpuia. Lalawmpuia has scored 2 goals off the 3 matches he has played his I League and the match he did not score, he created the scoring opportunity for Branco. Injury had nudged him out of action but he announced his return his the only goal against Churchill and winning the match for Bagan. Barreto, who missed the last match might start off as an attacking midfielder and then judging by match situation, might move up along side Bhaichung and Lalwmpuia.
Marcos, who after his inclusion, has lent much composure in the midfield, might be supported by Ishfaq and Sr. James Singh.
What the final line up would be, that remains to be seen, but Karim certainly is weighing his options with Lalawmpuia.
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