Table-toppers Mohun Bagan will aim to bounce back with a win when they take on Shillong Lajong FC after suffering two consecutive defeats in I-League football tournament at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here on Tuesday.
The home side will be on their toes for this one as they have managed to regain their confidence back after that thrilling 3-1 win against the North East neighbours, Aizawl FC.
Mohun Bagan, on the other hand, have suffered immensely in their recent matches, having lost head coach Sanjoy Sen for four matches due to suspension.
This has resulted in a poor run of defeats against Aizawl FC and a Kolkata derby disappointment. Assistant coach Shankarlal Chakraborty was also red carded in their previous match against East Bengal in a 1-2 defeat. Hence, physical trainer Djair De Miranda Garcia will take over proceedings for the Lajong contest.
Head coach of Shillong Lajong Thangboi Singto who has managed to rally his troops through that North East derby match against Aizawl will be looking to capitalise on Mohun Bagan's poor run lately, with the added absence of Sanjoy Sen and Shankarlal Chakraborty.
"A new and big challenge awaits us tomorrow. Mohun Bagan are one of the best teams in the league. The quality they possess is very good and the players are always fit and well looked after. For us, though, I think we had a good result but then we have to look forward to the four matches remaining for us," Singto said.
Mohun Bagan physical trainer Garcia said, "I have to repeat the same words, it is a very tough match and will be very difficult for us. I have known Thangboi Singto for the past 8 years and I know he is a quality coach. My team are mentally and psychologically prepared for this game, a game which could kill us or make us survive."
The Kolkata side are on top of the table with 25 points from 13 games but their defeat against East Bengal have just allowed their cross-city rivals to get back in contention for the title along with Bengaluru FC who are on equal points but with a game still to play.
The fight at the top is a three horse race and this match could make or beak Mohun Bagan's I-League fortunes.
