East Bengal feel the heat as they host I-League leaders Minerva Punjab amid match-fixing claims

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Kolkata, January 29: East Bengal will hope not to slip further away from the 2017-18 I-League title race when they host Minerva Punjab FC at the Vidyasagar Krirangan (Barasat Stadium) on Tuesday (January 30).

The Red and Golds, whose eight-game unbeaten streak ended during the Kolkata derby against Mohun Bagan a fortnight ago, will look to get back to winning ways. There will be no better opportunity than to steal points off leaders Minerva Punjab, who sit pretty at the top of the table with 25 points from 10 games. East Bengal trail by six points but have played a game more.

East Bengal head coach Khalid Jamil felt the match will be the toughest one for his side. "This is the toughest match. It won't be easy; they are on top they and are doing a good job. Everyone should give 100 per cent tomorrow," he said.

"They have good players and a good coach. Their players are hungry for success. They attack all out. Everyone in their team is a threat to us. The defenders are good and solid and they possess a good attack. There is no one specific so we have to try hard tomorrow. Everyone knows how important this game is", he added.

"My players are matured. I didn't say anything special. In every match, there is pressure. Since the beginning (of the season), there is pressure. Tomorrow's match will be a turning point for both sides," opined the former Indian international.

New signing Ansumana Kromah, who joined from arch-rivals Mohun Bagan, is in line to make his debut in attack alongside Dudu Omagbemi, who has just played a solitary game since his arrival this season.

In a major blow to the Red and Golds, Mahmoud Al Amna has been ruled out of the game and much of the onus will be on Japanese playmaker Katsumi Yusa to make a supply chain for the forwards.

Meanwhile, Khogen Singh and his side will be hoping to secure a perfect fifth victim on the road from as many games. On a run of four away draws, with three of them clean sheets, the momentum will definitely be on the Warriors' side.

"We are confident. We are in good form. We don't have any pressure. Not worried about the (artificial) turf (in Barasat). We are ready to play anywhere", said Singh.

He added, "East Bengal are under pressure at the moment so perfect time to play against them. They are a big team and we know (they are under pressure)."

The onus will be on the likes of Chencho Gyeltshen and William Opoku to deliver the goods for Minerva Punjab. Both are one shy of reaching double-digits in the goals' tally. Kiram Chemjong, the 27-year-old Nepalese international, will be the one to look out for as he is slated to make his debut for the club between the sticks.

Churchill Brothers vs NEROCA FC

Live from Goa

At 8 pm (Tuesday, January 30)

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar

East Bengal vs Minerva Punjab

Live from Barasat Stadium

At 2 pm (Tuesday, January 30)

On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar

Source: AIFF Media