I-League preview: League leaders Mohun Bagan hope to end struggle against DSK Shivajians

Sanjoy Sen and Jeje Lalpekhlua at the pre-match press conference.

Table-toppers Mohun Bagan who seem to have lost a bit of steam of late would be seeking to win against DSK Shivajians in a critical I-League football battle at the Barasat Stadium here on Saturday.

Mohun Bagan have managed just one win in their last five outings with two losses and two stalemates. But what would boost their confidence ahead of this crucial tie is the fact that their coach Sanjoy Sen who was suspended by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) for four matches will be back in the technical area to inspire them.

The absence of Sen from the sidelines has pegged the defending champions back. They succumbed to their first loss against Aizawl FC 1-2 and then were beaten by the same margin by arch-rivals East Bengal in the Kolkata Derby. In the last game, they were held to a 2-2 draw by Shillong Lajong.

Mohun Bagan are still on top of the standings with 26 points from 14 matches. But with only two matches left to play they need to win against DSK to harbour any hopes of retaining the trophy with Bengaluru (26 points from 13 matches) and third placed East Bengal (25 from 13) breathing down their neck.

DSK on the other hand have found new rhythm in the second half of the tournament. They have pocketed two and drawn three in the last five encounters and look a different side now, having jumped to the sixth spot with 14 points from 13 games.

For them to win, Mohun Bagan would want their forwards to fire once again. Cornell Glen has been misfiring over the past few matches with goals coming from midfielder Katsumi Yusa and Jeje Lalpekhlua. Sen would desperately want the Trinidadian forward Glen to deliver.

Mohun Bagan's defence has been wobbly of late and thay have to stop the likes of Douhou Pierre and Aser Pierrick Dipanda who have played pivotal roles in DSK's change in fortunes.