I-League 2018-19: Churchill Brothers vs Mohun Bagan: Preview and prediction
What's the story
Churchill Brothers will host Mohun Bagan tomorrow in their return fixture for the I-League. While Churchill are third on the league table with 29 points from 16 matches, Bagan are sixth with 22 points from 15 matches. Will the Kolkata giants be able to slay Churchill tomorrow? Or will Churchill rout Bagan as they did earlier this term? Here's our detailed match preview.
Churchill Brothers
How are the hosts looking ahead of the encounter?
Churchill will be coming off a shock defeat at the hands of Shillong Lajong, and will want to turn fortunes around as fast as possible. Had they won they match, they could have become joint-first with current league leaders Kashmir. Churchill have been troubled with the injury of Khalid Aucho, while their new signing Cavin Lobo is yet to show promise. It's unclear whether Aucho will feature.
Mohun Bagan
Are Bagan geared up for the match?
Bagan have drawn and won a match each in their last two fixtures, and a win is vital for them, if they are to remain in the top-four race. Sony Norde's return from injury should be a boost for the Mariners. However, Eze Kingsley's suspension will keep him from featuring in this match, while Yuta Kinowaki, Sukhdev Singh and Sourav Das are also out due to injuries.
Key players
Who are the key players of this encounter?
Willis Plaza will definitely be the one Churchill Brothers will be looking for inspiration and goals in the match, owing to his fiery form throughout the tournament. Anthony Wolfe and Dawda Ceesay will be the other important players for the hosts. Dicka and Norde will be Bagan's trump cards coming into the match, as will be Shilton Paul at goal.
TV listing
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Churchill Brothers: Kithan, Vas, Rodrigues, Eldor, Mohanraj, Lyngdoh, Aucho, Costa, Ceesay, Wolfe, Plaza. Mohun Bagan: Paul, Bagui, Lalchawnkima, Kumar, Ambekar, Mallick, D'Silva, El Husseiny, Norde, Kisseka, Dicka. The match is scheduled to kick-off from 5:00 PM and will be telecast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar or Jio TV.
Match prediction
How can the match turn out to be tomorrow?
Though Churchill are the favorites tomorrow, a victory will be far from easy. Bagan will want to win at any cost, and they also have match-winners like Norde and Dicka who can make a difference in the game. If they can contain Plaza, Bagan might clinch the match. Our prediction is 2-1 for Mohun Bagan.
Fantasy XI
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Choose a 4-3-3 formation with Shilton Paul as the goalkeeper. Bagui and Mohanraj can be the left and right backs respectively, while Lalchawnkima and Eldor should be the ideal center-backs. Lyngdoh, D'Silva, and El Husseiny can be the midfielders with Norde, Dicka, and Plaza playing as forwards.