Relegation-wary Mohammedan Sporting can't afford to lose

Mohammedan Sporting's relegation fate depends on how others in the bottom-half fare, but they would still be looking to give their 100 per cent when they face Shillong Lajong in their penultimate tie of the I-League at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan here tomorrow.
Having ended a five-match winless streak with a 2-1 victory over fellow relegation contenders Rangdajied United FC, Mohammedan Sporting will look to build on the momentum as they near the final stretch.
Mohammedan Sporting, who qualified for the top tier league after four seasons, are still not safe as they are only two points ahead of laggards Churchill Brothers and have also played an extra game.

Thus, the fate is not in their hands but they must win their remaining two fixtures to capitalise on any slip-up from Churchill Brothers.
The black and whites have not won back-to-back I-League fixtures this season and goal scoring inability has cost them dear. They will play their concluding leg away against Mumbai FC.
Their ace forward Joshimar d'Silva Martins will have to play a key role if they have to revive their fortunes. The burly Brazilian has been in woeful form, something they would hope to change.

"It was good to get back to winning ways but the danger of relegation still remains, so we cannot relax and must focus on getting three points in the next game also," Mohammedan Sporting coach Sanjoy Sen said.

Shillong Lajong have no fear of relegation and have been in the top-half of the table for the majority of the season.
They were not in action at the weekend but suffered a defeat at home in their last game against Mumbai FC two weeks ago.
The Northeast club are currently seventh and still have three more games left. Coach Thangboi Singto is keen to hold on to the position till the last round.
"I have been saying, you know, that top seven has been our target from the beginning of the season. Top five was going to be very tough and it's so tight as the other teams below us are also catching up, while there are some teams above that are not far away. It's still open but we would like to finish in the top seven," Singto said.

The Shillong outfit had won the home leg 2-1 earlier in the season, so now they have the chance to do the double over Mohammedan Sporting.