KOLKATA: After back-to-back away victories, an upbeat Mohun Bagan Super Giant will be happy to return home and maintain their winning momentum when they host NorthEast United FC (NEUFC) in the ISL at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday. Spanish coach Antonio Lopez Habas has provided the right impetus to the side which is adjusting well to all conditions.
However, while fatigue can be a worry for Habes as Bagan will be playing their third match within a week, NEUFC will be coming fresh from their win against East Bengal FC last Saturday. "I find the scheduling a bit strange," Habas said on the eve of the match. "While we are playing almost back-to-back matches that include travelling too, another team is coming after a long break," he stated. The coach said Finnish international Joni Kauko is fit and is expected to make the starting lineup. Anwar Ali too is expected to make a return to the playing XI after getting match-fit.
The Mariners will be boosted by the fact that they made light work of NEUFC when they last met in the ISL in December.
Habas must have his plans ready to stop NEUFC's two speedy forwards Jithin MS and Redeem Tland as the Bagan defenders, who have not conceded a goal in the last two games, will have their task cut out to stop Tomi Juric too, who scored twice against East Bengal in the last match.
"We are up against a balanced side. It will be tough against them," Habas admitted.
NEUFC are in seventh position now with 16 points from 14 games. A lot will be at stake for the hosts as a win on Saturday will see the green-and-maroon brigade leapfrog FC Goa and rise to second spot.
