Mahindra United up against resurgent EB

East Bengal are currently on a roll with only the 2-2 draw against fellow-Kolkata rivals Mohammedan Sporting in their 17th round tie halting their winning spree which saw them humbling title aspirants Mohun Bagan 3-0.

The red-and-gold brigade started the second phase with a goalless draw against Chirag United before bowing 1-2 here to Mumbai FC. Later they pulled themselves up by the bootstrap to vanquish Air India 3-1,bottom-huggers Vasco 4-1 and Mohun Bagan.

But they have been poor travellers this season,with only the victory over Vasco in Goa their sole success on the road and it’s to be seen whether they buck this trend at the venuewhere they went down to Mumbai FC on their previous visit to this city.

The absence of Ghanaian striker Yusif Yakubu,out with a double booking,is another factor they need to overcome up against the tight defence of Mahindra United. India star Sunil Chhetri scored the second of their two goals in the second half rally against Mohammedan Sporting,with the other Chhetri – Nirmal – scoring the first,and East Bengal would depend on the former’s sharp-shooting skills against the Mumbai side.

Sunil is the leading goalscorer for East Bengal with eight strikes to his credit that has placed him third overall in the race for the Golden Boot in the League. He will be a key man in their quest to notch up their seventh victory in the tournament.

Syed Rahim Nabi,with five goals,is another poacher capable of troubling the Mahindra United defence which will be without captain K Ajayan,who has injured his ankle,for the third match running.

Mahindra United should be pleased that Nigerian striker Edeh Chidi is finally showing the sort of goal-scoring form they need badly. They are expecting Ivory Coast’s Douhou Pierre to also get into the groove. Sushil Kumar Singh,with five goals,is the topscorer for the local outfit while Mohammad Rafi’s twin strike against lowly Vasco has boosted his tally to three and also helped Mahindra United to put a stop to three successive goalless draws and earned them their fifth win.