MARINERS TO START AS UNDERDOGS

V/S

Mohun Bagan faces Prayag United Sports Club in an I-League clash on Sunday, 27th January. The two teams in Sunday's encounter are in completely different situations. Prayag United are comfortably placed in the middle of the table at No. 5, with 26 points from 17 games. A win for them will help them to rise in the table. It's a different story for Mohun Bagan though. They are seriously facing the threat of relegation, and are at the absolute bottom of the table with just a solitary point from 12 matches, after AIFF deducted 12 points from them as penalty for the derby debacle on 9th December 2012. It is extremely important for them to win this match, to give their battle for survival some much needed momentum. 

Mohun Bagan will miss the services of their skipper Odafa Okolie, who is out with suspension, and will be largely dependent on Tolgay Ozbey for goals. Tolgay, has missed most of the season due to an injury and hasn't found his scoring boots, since his return. The defense is also a major cause of concern for Mohun Bagan, as the likes of Eche and Aibor have been very inconsistent with their performances, and they will have to deal with the likes of Ranty Martins and Kayne Vincent, on Sunday. The midfield is going to be strengthened with the inclusion of Sushant Matthew and Quinton Jacobs(replacement for Stanley Okoroigwe).

Prayag will also miss Carlos Hernandez, who played a major role in Prayag's victory, when the last time, these two sides met, as he hasn't returned from Costa Rica yet. They will also miss Suken Dey(left back) and Lester Fernandes due to injuries. But Prayag has depth in it's squad and despite the absence of Carlos, Sukhen and Lester, will start the game as firm favourites. Sangram will be their custodian. Deepak Mondal, Bello Rasaq, Gourmangi and Dhanachandra will be in charge of their defense. Prayag's midfield will include Asif, Lalkamal Bhowmik, Shylo Malswamtulunga and Vineeth. Kayne Vincent will pair up with the I-League's highest goal-scorer so far, Ranty Martins to form a deadly strike-force.

On paper Prayag looks stronger than Mohun Bagan, but matches are not won on paper. The beautiful game of football has always produced many surprises in the past and will always continue to do so. Thus, Sunday's game has all the ingredients of becoming one of this I-League's best matches, with both sides desperately needing a victory for different reasons.

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