I-League 2017: Aizawl FC vs Mohun Bagan Preview: Winner takes it all in the I-League title decider
Aizawl FC are all set to host Mohun Bagan AC in the title decider showdown on Saturday.
A clutch of permutations and combinations will be in action as Khalid Jamil and co. are on the cusp of a historic I-League crown.
Aizawl FC vs Mohun Bagan: Four key battles to look out for
A win by whatever margin will secure Mohun Bagan's second title in three years without having to depend on the final match against Chennai City FC.
Meanwhile, for Aizawl FC, a victory by a margin of two goals instantly wins them the title on their home soil, but a draw will mean that they will need to better the Mariners' result in their last match against Shillong Lajong FC.
Both teams are ready and raring to go with Mohun Bagan having handed their regulars a break in the midweek AFC Cup clash while Aizawl have had no such distractions.
Aizawl FC vs Mohun Bagan - What do the numbers say?
Khalid Jamil will look to name an unchanged XI from the one that defeated Churchill Brothers away from home.
Laldanmawia and Brandon Vanlalremdika will look to continue from where they left off and patrol the wings while Stephen Kamo Bayi will be the target man up front.
In defense, Ashutosh Mehta will look to start at right back to contain the dangerous Sony Norde while Zohmingliana Ralte will look to get the better of Darryl Duffy.
However, crucially the form of Alfred Jaryan and Mahmoud Al Amna in midfield will be the key determinant to decide whether Aizawl can boss their illustrious opponents.
Aizawl & Mohun Bagan Combined XI
Sanjoy Sen finally has a well-rested squad at his disposal and will look to start either of Jeje Lalpekhlua or Balwant Singh alongside Duffy.
Meanwhile, Sehnaj Singh and Katsumi Yusa will be in midfield with youngster Azharuddin Mallick given another shot on the right.
Pronay Halder and Subashish Bose are still out injured and Raju Gaikwad will continue at Left back and will need to pull his A-game against the dangerous Vanlalremdika.
Interestingly, all the matches against the two sides have ended with a result with Mohun Bagan having an edge having won 3 of the 4 encounters.
However, the only match at Aizawl ended up in a 2-1 victory for the home side, a result which Aizawl need to better if they don't want to depend on others.
Kickoff is at 2.00 pm on Saturday.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS:
TEAM NEWS
AIZAWL FC:
Injured: None
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key Player: Mahmoud Al Amna
MOHUN BAGAN AC:
Injured: Subhasish Bose, Raynier Fernandes, Pronay Halder
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key Player: Sony Norde