Now or never for Mohun Bagan

Though there is still a lot to be played for, it will be almost an improbable task for the Kolkata giants should they falter tomorrow.

Injury is a huge cause of concern for Bagan. Baichung Bhutia is yet to recover from a calf muscle strain. Without him, Bagan attack loses venom. Jose Barreto is not a force any more. So, the Kolkata league champions will start as underdogs.

Coach Karim Bencherifa, however, put up a brave face. 8220;We had a decent start as our team performed well but were unlucky as we missed good scoring chances.

8220;We have worked out on our mistakes and hopefully the team will perform to its potential and come out winners to set the clock moving,8221; he said on the match eve. The coach is under pressure.

That Dipak Mondal and Habibur Rahaman will return to strengthen the defence is good news. But without a play-maker, attacks don8217;t get shape. The onus is on Lalkamal Bhowmick to fill the vacuum.

Sporting midfield has gelled very well. Harmanjot Khabra, Micky Fernandes, Wilton Gomes and Joseph Pereira have combined like a well-oiled machine. Pereira8217;s partnership with Gomes on the left has resulted in teasing crosses that kept the rival defence guessing.

Then there is Junior Obagbemiro upfront who has already scored three goals. Another Nigerian, Natalin is likely to make his debut tomorrow.

Sporting defence is yet to concede a goal in this tournament. Naturally, their coach Vishwas Goaunkar is confident of maintaining the winning streak.

8220;After our impressive performance against Mohammedan Sporting, we are on a high.

8220;We want to keep the momentum going. The boys have the potential to perform even better. Natalin will give more sharpness to our attack,8221; he said.

Time for Bagan to pull up their socks.