Pundits may rate the game as a David vs. Goliath of the modern era when strong title contenders Dempo take on relegation battlers Viva Kerala in front of their home fans at the Fatorda Stadium. Dempo will be looking to ascertain their title credentials with a win against hapless Viva. On the other hand, Viva has been proving their critics wrong with some remarkable performances against stronger teams.

 

 

The last time both the teams played in the I-League was two seasons back. Dempo walloped Viva 4-0 in their home game and Viva were beaten 4-1 on home turf by their Goan counterparts.

Form Guide

Last five completed matches during the current season (2009-10) excluding friendlies/practice matches and most recent results first

Viva Kerala – DLWLL

The form guide does not really reflect Viva’s actual on-field performance. Victory against them has not been easy for their opposition and brilliant display against both struggling Sporting and star-studded Mahindra United. Another point before the mid-season break will be big onus for them as they seem to have relatively easier opponents in their next 5 matches.

Dempo – LDWDW

Dempo’s performance has been a mixed bag so far and the home crowd will be eager to see another goals-galore. Their unbeaten run was short-lived as Dempo ended up on the losing side in their Goan derby against Churchill (read Ranty vs. Odafa).

Team News

Viva Kerala

Selection concerns are back at Viva and Sreedharan will have a tough call to make on match day.

Naushad is still injured and strongman Charles Dzisah is suspended for the Dempo game. Marshook is likely to move into a central role in defence alongside Bello Rasaq. P Sajesh is likely to takeover from Marshook as right wingback with VV Surjit playing on the left. VV Surjit had a minor ankle problem during practice but should be fit in time for the match.

Siraj has been a revelation this season but will not take part in the coming match with the injury he has been carrying. Youngster KP Anish who scored in the game against Sporting is likely to start on the left and the coach’s favorite Bimal Birua is also a contender for a spot. On the right side of midfield, youngster T Karma continues to improve and insiders say that his new pair of “red” boots may bring him a few goals this season.

British born PIO Patrick Sisupalan has been consistent this season and is playing very sensibly but the humidity at Fatorda may take a toll on him. The coach is likely to give him some rest but without injured midfielder P Rahul, former junior India camper Amarwant Singh is likely to be given his first start.

The top three in the formation are the same as last game with Rueben Senyo and Wisut Bunpeng starting upfront and captain MP Sakeer playing behind them.

Probable XI (4-4-2): K Sharat – P Sajesh, Bello Rasaq, M Marshook, VV Surjit – T Karma, Amarwant Singh, MP Sakeer, KP Anish – Rueben Senyo, Wisut Bunpeng.

Dempo

A near first-team backline quartet of Mahesh Gawli, Sameer Naik, John Dias and Dominis Noronha are injured but Indian national team defender Anwar Ali and company have done pretty well.

Goalkeeping has been a concern at the beginning of the season with youngster Tyson Caido grabbing his chance with both hands and edging experienced Abhijit Mondal out of the first team. While the other experienced keeper VP Satish Kumar is considered to be past his prime, junior India camper Laxmikant Kattimani is yet to be tested by Dempo this season and will probably have to wait for his turn.

Midfield has been the talking point of Dempo’s campaign with Anthony Pereira and Clifford Miranda having their torrid runs along the wings and star player Climax Lawrence playing alongside midfield general Beto in the center of the park.

Indian starlet Sunil Chetri has been amazing at times but has not been able to carry the same form in all matches. But with the return of inspirational striker Ranty Martins Soleye, Sunil should be able to play his usual game.

Probable XI (4-4-2): Tyson Caido – Valeriano Rebello, Anwar Ali, Cressan Antao, Marcus Peixoto – Anthony Pereira, Climax Lawrence, Roberto Mendes Silva “Beto” , Clifford Miranda – Sunil Chetri, Ranty Martins Soleye.

Players to Watch

Bello Rasaq (Viva Kerala) – Coming into the match on the back of a scintillating performance that earned him the Man of the Match award in the last game against Mahindra United, Bello will be an intimidating presence in the Viva defence.

Ranty Martins Soleye (Dempo) – Ranty is back from injury and straight into goal-scoring mode. Two goals in the match against defending champions Churchill Brothers including a fabulous bicycle kick was great way to come back into the groove.

Key Matchups

Bello Rasaq vs. Ranty Martins Soleye
VV Surjit vs. Anthony Pereira
Rueben Senyo vs. Anwar Ali

Jason Morais writes for footballkerala.com

 

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