I-League 2009-10| Match Preview – Viva Kerala vs. Churchill Brothers
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Churchill ‘Odafa’ Brothers take on Kerala’s Neelapada at the EMS Memorial Stadium in Kozhikode. The two deciding factors in tomorrow’s game will be Churchill Brothers’ captain Odafa Onyeka Okolie and the afternoon heat.
The last time the two teams played each other, the defending I-League champions had won 2-0 against the newly promoted Viva.
Form Guide
Last five completed matches during the current season (2009-10) excluding friendlies/practice matches and most recent results first
Viva Kerala – WDLLW
A surprise win against league leaders Dempo has put Viva’s I-League campaign back on track. But they will need an extraordinary performance to be able to get a result against the strong Churchill team.
Churchill Brothers – WLWDL
They are currently lying third in the league and had an impressive win over Chirag United in the last game. But they have had unimpressive performances in the last couple of matches.
Team News
Viva Kerala
Minor niggles are worrying the Viva team. Goalkeeper Sharat has a knee problem and could barely move in the last match. Youngster Shahinlal may get a start (for a change!) in his place.
Big blow for Viva as ace midfielder Siraj has injured himself during practice and is most certain to miss out. Midfielder Rahul or winger Sajesh may replace him.
Noushad and Karma have recovered completely and should feature in the starting XI. In another welcome move, captain Sakeer is back after his one-match suspension.
The forward line will struggle again as KP Anish and Shibinlal are ruled out of the match due to injuries and Sabeeth is still not in the most expected shape. Midfielder Nishad is likely to pair up again with Rueben Senyo in a makeshift arrangement by Coach Sreedharan.
Bello had a wonderful game against Dempo and he managed to shut out the quick Dempo strikers during the full length of the match will be dearly missed due to the two yellow cards he has picked up. Amarwant Singh, replacing Bello, will be given a similar task along with fellow central defender Charles and holding midfielder Patrick.
It will be interesting to see if midfielders Sakeer and Rahul can help Viva pull another upset win tomorrow.
Probable XI (4-4-2): Shahinlal Meloly – K Noushad, Amarwant Singh, Charles Dzisah, VV Surjit – T Karma, Raman Patrick Sisupalan, MP Sakeer, P Rahul – Rueben Senyo, KP Nishad.
Churchill Brothers
Not much of a change is predicted in the starting XI. They have played the same players when they have been available. Coach Carlos Pereira seems to be bent on having his best men finish the job for him.
Young striker Bineesh Balan continues to be a notable absentee but he is unlikely to break into the first team even when he returns from injury. Left Winger Khanthang Paite is injured and will miss tomorrow’s match against Viva. Junior India star Lalrindika Ralte is likely to get the nod ahead of Charan Rai on the left wing.
Other players in the Goan side pick themselves up. Ironically, the Goan side has only one Goan player in the line-up – Nascimento Silveira.
Churchill have arguably the best defensive lineup in India currently with Arindam at goal, Naoba, Gouramangi, Rowilson and Robert playing in defence.
Vashum and Kalu have been impressive throughout the season and will be a constant threat in the opposite half. Odafa will pair up with Felix upfront and the two have a great chemistry. Japanese player Dan Ito is likely to start from the bench.
Probable XI (4-4-2): Arindam Bhattacharya – T Naoba Singh, Gouramangi Singh, Rowilson Rodrigues, Robert Lalthampuana – Reisangmi Vashum, Ogba Kalu Nanna, Nascimento Silveira, Lalrindika Ralte – Odafa Onyeka Okolie, Felix Chimaokwu.
Players to Watch
MP Sakeer (Viva Kerala) – The Viva captain is back from his one-match suspension and he will control the traffic in the middle of the park for the home team.
Odafa Onyeka Okolie (Churchill Brothers) – The striker has given sleepless nights to the opponents’ defenders over the last couple of seasons. This season, however, he has not shown the same magic but when he strikes, Churchill Brothers have a higher chance to win.
Key Matchups
Charles Dzisah vs. Odafa Onyeka Okolie
MP Sakeer vs. Ogba Kalu Nanna
Rueben Senyo vs. Gouramangi Singh
Jason Morais writes for footballkerala.com
