Mahindra United coach Derrick Pereira sounded at his optimistic best when he said: “We are still eyeing to finish in the top three bracket”. Currently in the fifth position on the points table, it definitely looks a distant dream, but Pereira persists, “We have to win both our matches and then wait for the other teams’ results”.

But the local Red Devils’ coach does not rule out their arch rivals completely from the picture and says, “It will be a tough match for us as Air-India is a fitter side.” The jeepmen will also miss their ace defender NP Pradeep’s services as the coach says, “During our last match against Sporting Clube de Goa, Pradeep hurt his knee and there was a swelling. We rested him for two days but the swelling has not subsided.”

Mahindra United goalkeeper Subhashish Roy Chowdhury, who played in the last match also hurt his knee and there is a possibility of their main goalkeeper, Sandip Nandy standing guard again.

On the other hand, rival coach Bimal Ghosh is confident of putting up a good show and says, “As it is local derby, we will definitely be looking for a win, but we will also not be disappointed with a draw.”

In the Air-India side, Vijith Shetty is ruled out as he was operated on his hand and the Ghosh also confirms that his defender, Santosh Koli who has the knack of getting goals for them will be a doubtful starter.