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Sporting Clube de Goa have been bolstered by the return of their regulars as they prepare to snatch full points from Churchill Brothers at the Nehru Stadium, Fatorda, on Wednesday.
Sporting Clube have had a great start to the I-League remaining unbeaten in the first six matches. But in the next five, Sporting have picked up just a solitary points and are now keen to make amends.
“We have been disappointing in the last five matches. We must make amends now or risk inviting more trouble for ourselves,” admitted manager Angelo Albuquerque.
Sporting gave a good account of themselves against Dempo Sports Club, holding the former champions to a goalless draw in the opening session and then taking the lead as well. But they fell apart after the change of ends. “The team against Churchill will be much stronger,” said Albuquerque.
Sporting, indeed, will be stronger as captain Samananda Singh returns to the starting line up after two weeks on the sidelines. Also returning to the starting line-up are strikers Victorino Fernandes and Macroy Peixoto, both of whom sat out of the last game through suspensions.
Churchill Brothers, too, are keen to make amends after slipping quite unexpectedly against Pune FC. Churchill had a chance to open a five point gap at the top, but the team failed to put their best foot forward. Churchill still has a chance to go ahead and, at least this time, believe there will not be any slip ups. Portuguese coach Manuel Gomes is expected to field an unchanged side.
Sporting stay on 13 points from 11 matches while Churchill stay at the second spot with 23 points from same number of matches.
The kick-off is at 3.45pm.
