Mohun Bagan prepare to host Mumbai FC in a thirteenth round encounter of the 2017 I-League and the consequences of losing will be detrimental to each team's targets for the season.
For The Mariners, coming off their maiden defeat of the season at Churchill Brothers, another blip in the campaign could see the title run away from their grasp. Meanwhile, Mumbai FC are facing the sternest test of a relegation battle and to add to that, they haven't tasted victory since 15th January.
Sanjoy Sen who was outclassed by Derrick Pereira in a tactical battle over the weekend will not have his side's highest goalscorer, Darryl Duffy leading the line. However, he would bank on the duo of Balwant Singh and Jeje Lalpekhlua who have been amongst the goals recently but cut sorry figures in Goa.
Aizawl go top of I-League
With stardom comes scrutiny and Sony Norde has attracted plenty this season given his hot and cold performances. Injury has hampered the Haitian's influence on Bagan's game but skipper Katsumi Yusa too needs to step up and deliver from a central position - one where he is a much better player than how Sen used him earlier on the right flank.
Prabir Das has been the unsung hero for the Green and Maroons lately. He has stepped up his game as a utility player and also has a goal in the last game to show for it. The 4-4-2 system which Sen favours will remain perennial but the only concern will be regarding the defence which has managed to leak in cheap goals - the last clean sheet coming three weeks ago, coincidentally against Wednesday's opponents.
For Mumbai FC and more importantly Santosh Kashyap, going ten games winless tests the resolve of a side and the character of the manager but the former Salgaocar gaffer has shown tremendous patience as he has been time and again bullied by the Yellows' faithful.
East Bengal falter against Churchill
Things do not get any easier for Kashyap as he reaches Kolkata after a 2-0 loss at Aizawl and he comes up against Mohun Bagan - former employers who sacked him unceremoniously only after five games in charge in 2012. The 50-year-old will hope that this game does not prove to be his last with his current side and Kashyap will be desperate for a win.
However, the prospect of a win is overshadowed by the mediocrity of Mumbai FC's current roster. Laxmikant Kattimani enjoyed a spell of three clean sheets - all 0-0 draws but let in two against Aizawl.
Considered one of the better Indian players in the side, Thoi Singh has been letting his side down and surprisingly young Hitesh Sharma does not even find himself in the matchday squads of late. Kashyap has brought in his own band in Baljit Sahni and Alex Willian but the latter is set to miss out due to a groin injury.
Most would rule out even a point for the visitors but in sport, anything can happen. Moreover, a long while of status quo only means that something is going to give - might be a Mumbai win or the coach getting the boot.
Even for Mohun Bagan, this game preps them up for the rally of Bengaluru games they have got to play across two competitions over the next month.
Kick-off is at the Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Wednesday at 16:35 IST.
PREDICTED LINE-UPS
TEAM NEWS
MOHUN BAGAN A.C.
Injured: Darryl Duffy, Raju Gaikwad
Doubtful: None
Suspended: None
Key Player: Prabir Das
MUMBAI F.C.
Injured: Alex Willian
Doubtful: Anderson Raimundo
Suspended: None
Key Player: Densill Theobald