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Mohun Bagan will be wary of the fast paced Lajong FC side when the two meet in an eighth round I-League match at the Khuman Lampak Main Stadium on Friday.
Bagan will miss the services of their three key players — Syed Rahim Nabi, Sunil Chetri and Jewel Raja — who are on national duty.
However, Bagan coach Prasanta Banerjee said the onus will be on the other players to prove themselves.
“There is a bit of concern as some of our players are in the injury list and some of them are in the national squad.
“The team will not be at their full strength. So, this will be a chance for the other players to take responsibility,” Prasanta added.
Bagan do have a plan to stop the fast paced Lajong players. Prasanta said if the players can execute the plan, then victory will be Bagan’s.
“Lajong are a good side and they have the advantage on playing in their home turf. They play a fast-paced game and we have to stop them if the game has to be swayed in our favour,” said Prasanta.
Although Bagan are placed second in the I-League table, their form has dipped in the last couple of matches. In fact, they lost 2-3 in their last outing against United SC.
But Prasanta said a one-off loss does not matter in the marathon league. “It is only the beginning of the league. Even if you lose match, you can get time to regain ground,” Prasanta said.
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