Kolkata, February 11: Former champions Mohun Bagan will be keen to revive their diminishing title aspirations when they face laggards Gokulam Kerala FC in their last I-League home fixture here on Monday (February 12).
| Chennai City 0 - 0 Shillong Lajong" />Referee blunder | Chennai City 0 - 0 Shillong Lajong
There may be five matches left but unplanned scheduling means Mohun Bagan will face the Kerala outfit twice in less than a month. The two will meet again in the reverse fixture in Calicut (Kozhikode) on February 18.
With three wins from 12 matches, Gokulam (10 points) lie at the bottom of the table, while Mohun Bagan are placed fourth with 21 points, still eight short of leaders Minerva Punjab.
Live pictures coming from today's @MohunBagan practice session at VYBK before the Gokulam Fc match!! #Mariners #HeroILeague !! pic.twitter.com/s3tSI2zcBP
— Sourav Ghosh (@souravscorner) February 10, 2018
Mohun Bagan dropped points at Chennai City in their last outing and knowing well that they have a mountain to climb, Chakraborty said they have to win all their remaining matches.
"The match against Chennai is in the past now. This is our last home match and we want to win it. The win at home will boost our confidence and shall set the tone for the remaining matches," the gaffer told reporters on the eve of the match.
"We have been playing quality football, creating chances. I am sure that tomorrow too we will continue doing the same way. We just need to follow the basics and play our natural game."
Mohun Bagan custodian Shilton Paul, too, said they are not dwelling on the past. "Our focus on the remaining five matches. Our performance at home this season has not been good but that is past now. Our only objective will be to secure three points," Shilton said.
Gokulam Kerala are also in the middle of a lean patch with just two wins from eight matches and their coach Bino George said it was a matter of pride for his wards to play against a team like Mohun Bagan.
"Mohun Bagan are a very strong side and to beat them at home will be an uphill task. These boys are playing in the I-League for the first time. It's such a big tournament. We are improving with every game," he said.
Mohun Bagan vs Gokulam Kerala
I-League
Live from Kolkata
At 2 pm (Monday, February 12)
On Star Sports 2 and Hotstar