Mohun Bagan ready to quell Bharat FC challenge in I-League

Leaders Mohun Bagan will look to continue their unbeaten run in the I-League football tournament when they entertain Bharat FC at the Salt Lake stadium here on Saturday.

While Mohun Bagan come into the match on the back of a 0-0 stalemate against Shillong Lajong FC, Bharat FC comes in after a 0-3 defeat at the hands of East Bengal.

The home team will once again rely on the goal-scoring ability of their star striker Haitian Sony Norde, who on Friday declared himself fit to play after injuring his ankle during Thursday's practice.

"We have to take every game as a final and play accordingly if we wish to win the championship," Norde told reporters.

But despite the availability of Norde, Mohun Bagan's man-of-the-moment is undoubtedly goalkeeper Debjit Majumdar, whose continued brilliance under the bar has helped the team remain the only unbeaten side in the tournament with 25 points from 11 matches.

Bharat FC are languishing at the ninth spot with 11 points from 11 matches.

While the Kolkata giants go into the match with the security of Majumdar's gloves, they will bank on the strike force of their potent attacking trio of Japanese medio Katsumi Yusa, Norde and Cameroonian striker Pierre Boya for goals.

"We should try and get all three points on Friday, as we have an away match next," Boya said.

Pune-based Bharat FC will have a tough task at containing the Mohun Bagan attack but can feel confident about their chances after witnessing Shillong Lajong hold the leaders to a 0-0 draw.

Veteran defender Mehrajuddin Wadoo's inclusion in the team after sitting out the East Bengal match due to suspension will be an added bonus for the visiting side.

Bharat FC will try to utilise the pace of winger Lester Fernandez and the opportunism of New Zealand striker Kris Bright to unsettle the Mohun Bagan backline.