I-League 2011-12: Chirag Kerala host Churchill Brothers

Having stopped the Dempo juggernaut in the last round, Churchill Brothers would be looking for nothing short of all three points as they travel to the capital of Kerala for their ninth round match against the low lying Chirag United Kerala. They are currently placed second only four points behind the league leaders Dempo SC.

With Dempo playing away to Kingfisher East Bengal on the following day, Manuel Gomez would see this as an ideal oppurtunity to pile up the pressure on the league leaders. He would be up against a Chirag Kerala side who is starting to find some confidence after a shaky start to the season. But Packeer Ali would dearly love to tansform that confidence into points as they look for their first home win of the campaign

Mohammed Rafi makes a return to the place which kicked off his career at SBT on his way to becoming the richest paid Indian footballer. He would be up against his former captain and mentor Ajayan, having played together at Mahindra United. The 2008-09 champions welcome back Gouramangi Singh, Steven Dias and Lalrindika fresh from their international success with India at SAFF championships. They are a tight defensive unit led by the lanky Australian Antun Kovacic from the back who would also be a threat from set pieces .

Churchill Brothers have the joint second best defence in the country along with East Bengal having leaked only six goals in 8 matches. Going forward would be bit of a worry for the Portuguese coach as his side have only scored 9 goals, lowest among the top 6 teams. They are your typical 1-0 footballing side with 3 of their 5 victories coming with the aforesaid scoreline.

Usman Ashik would be vying for a place in the starting line with a cameo performance against Salgaocar in the last match. He could hold the key that could unlock the tightly knit Churchill defence with his tricks and pace. Anil Kumar would be hoping to be more efficient in front of goal and build on his solitary goal in the last match. With Michael Matricciani back to full fitness coach Packeer Ali has a tricky choice to make between him and David Sunday who made an impressive debut. Ajayan would once again be a key player with him orchestrating the play from midfield. Charles Dzisah will strengthen the defence as he makes a return after his one match suspension .

It felt as if the home team came into their own in the final 10 minutes against Salgaocar. If they can play up to that tempo it will definitely put pressure on any side. With a partisan crowd behind them an upset might well be on the cards against the Goan giants.

Rohan Shah writes for FootballKerala.com

From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Tuesday 13 December 2011, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.