I-League: Title in sight, Minerva keen to avoid slip-up

New Delhi: Minerva Punjab FC will be desperate to re-ignite their faltering I-League aspirations when they host defending champions Aizawl FC in Panchkula on Monday.

Minerva are approaching the match after two consecutive defeats and have fallen to third in the standings after East Bengal’s 7-1 victory over Chennai City FC in Kolkata on Saturday.

Neroca FC are on top with 31 points from 17 matches.

A win at the Tau Devi Lal Stadium on the morrow will put Minerva on top and also brighten their chances to win the league, in only their second season in top-tier football.

Their task may be made easier by an injury crisis in the visiting camp with as many as 10 players ruled out of the game.

Minerva coach Khogen Singh looked composed on the eve of the crucial match.

“We are optimistic of getting our campaign back on track. We will look to play good football and secure three points from the tie,” Khogen said at the pre-match press conference on Sunday.

He also rubbished suggestions of his team getting complacent against their injury-ridden opponents.

Bhutan striker Chencho Gyrlshen will be keen to regain his scoring touch and pair up with attacking midfielder Ghana’s Willia-m Opoko upfront.

Chencho will hope to get a steady stream of supply from the midfielders, led by their new recruit Bazie Armand.

Minerva will have to improve their overall game to collect three points again their opponents.