Chirag seek top-four finish

Kolkata/Mumbai, Feb. 2: Chirag United take on lowly Lajong FC in the 13th round tie of the I-League at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday, knowing fully well that a win would give their title chances a big boost. Currently fifth in the standings with 20 points from 12 matches, a win will guarantee Chirag a finish among the top four.

A draw, though, will not help Federation Cup runners-up Lajong, who have secured only 10 points so far, just ahead of Air India and Sporting Clube de Goa on the points table. "At this juncture, all team need a point. As for us, we need it badly as we’re not at all in a safe zone," Lajong coach Stanley Rozario said.

The absence of centreback Eduardo Chacon (double booking) could be a significant factor for both teams in the game. Chirag are a little worried over Eduardo’s unavailability as their defence looks more confident and assured when the burly Brazilian is around.

Coach Subrata Bhattacharya is likely to position Arnab Mondal beside Kingshuk Debnath in central defence to keep Lajong strikers Seikhohao Tuboi and James Giblee at bay.

The visitors willlook forward to cashing in on Eduardo’s absence. "It’s certainly good for us. We can create more moves now," Rozario noted.

Apart from Eduardo, striker Josimaar Da Silva too is unwell and appears a doubtful starter. In that case, Ashim Biswas will move up to join Edmilson Marques in the forward line.

Moreover, Lajong will also miss key players, with Boithang Haokip (abdomen pain), Michael Bassey (knee injury) and Nepal’s Anil Gurung busy with the ongoing South Asian Games in Dhaka. Although substitutes Roming Thanga and Ailad Kynta are ready to compensate for Boithang and Bassey, it will not be easy to find a replacement for Gurung who is capable of playing in any position and can use both feet with equal ease.

In Mumbai, Mumbai FC will look to ride on their home advantage when they take on Viva Kerala at the Cooperage ground. While Viva Kerala come into the game following a 2-1 win over Mahindra United, Mumbai FC had drawn their previous game with the same side.

The pressure to win will be more on the visitors as the fear of relegation still lingers over them. Mumbai FC coach Khalid Jamil will miss the services of Dane Pereira who is out with two yellow cards.

In Pune, title contenders Mahindra will look to close the gap at the top of the table when they face in-form Pune Football Club in a round 13 match.

JCT wil lock horns with Air India while Sporting Clube de Goa will meet East Bengal.

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