Bagan hosts Chennai City

Runaway leader Mohun Bagan will welcome defending champion Chennai City FC to the Municipality Stadium in Kalyani for an I-League clash on Thursday.

Bagan sits comfortably at the top of the standings with 35 points after 14 fixtures, 12 more than second-placed Punjab FC. With just six matches left, it seems like only a matter of time before the ‘Mariners’ is confirmed as the title-winner. Holder Chennai City is sixth on the table, having collected 19 points from 14 games.

The reverse fixture between the two teams in Coimbatore produced a grandstand finish, with CCFC, which eventually lost 2-3, almost pulling off a comeback after being down 0-3. Despite being in pole position, Bagan head coach Kibu Vicuna understandably asserted that the job is not done yet.

“Our goal has been the same from the start, which is to win the league. We have to ensure that we achieve our objective over the remainder of our campaign,” said the gaffer during the pre-match press conference. Chennai City, which has Singaporean Akbar Nawas at the helm, will have its task cut out against a team that has just lost once so far.

Despite CCFC’s woes, it is difficult to question the quality it possesses. Goalkeeper Nauzet Santana Garcia, centre-half Roberto Eslava, midfielder Katsumi Yusa and Fito Miranda have bundle of experience under their belt.

“Chennai City is obviously a good team. It troubled us in the previous fixture this season. It enjoys playing possession-based football. Nauzet is the best goalkeeper in the league in my opinion. It also has other good overseas recruits and a few quality Indian players. It’s going to be a challenging game for us,” added Vicuna.

The visiting side may be on course to surrendering the champion crown come the end of the campaign, but is still hopeful of finishing at the top half of the table. “It is always a special feeling to return to Bagan. I have so many good memories from my time here. But (on Thursday), it is about getting a result for Chennai City as we are fighting to finish as high as we can,” said CCFC’s Yusa, who has turned out for Bagan in the past.