Struggling HAL face stern test

BANGALORE: It would be tough for any team to play two consecutive I-League matches in a gap of just three days, as it would deny players the chance to resuscitate themselves and recuperate from injuries.
On Thursday, an injury-struck Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will find the going tough as they are likely to miss the services of two dependable players -- Pramod under the bar and R C Prakash in the midfield -- when they take on formidable Kolkata outfit Prayag United in a fifth round match at the Football Stadium here.
The aircraftsmen had put up a valiant fight against Churchill Brothers, Goa, in the previous round, going down by a solitary goal. But the team management is wondering whether they can repeat the same feat against the visitors, thanks to back-to-back matches and injuries to key players.
The duo's absence meant the team has to shift their strategy, if they nurse any ambition of salvaging a draw or an unlikely upset. "Actually, we wanted to use the same strategy tomorrow that we employed against Churchill. But since we may miss the services of two of our best players, we have to devise a fresh strategy. But I am confident that the boys will be able to put up a good fight," HAL manager Muralidharan said.
HAL will once again use Nigerian Jagaba Hamza as the lone striker, while five players will be employed in the midfield.
The match will be crucial for the aircraftsmen after a disastrous start with three losses and one draw. "We have suffered narrow 0-1 defeats in the previous three matches, and we don't want to repeat it. Our aim is to garner full points," he added.
On the other hand, Prayag players are on a high after their 5-1 win over Pune FC and coach Sanjoy Sen sounded confident. "We will secure a win, and I am sure my players are able to do that," Sanjoy said, but he also added he was not ready to take HAL lightly. "In a marathon league like this, each and every match is important. We have to maintain good form to achieve our target of finishing among the top-five," he said
However, Prayag will miss the services of talismanic striker Yousif Yakubu once again, who is recovering from an ankle injury. But the coach was not worried about it. "Of course, I have faith in Yousif, but ours is not a one-man show. We rely on team effort," he said.
Sen may opt for the traditional 4-4-2 formation, with Kayne Vincent from New Zealand and Josimar da Silva from Brazil upfront. Captain Lalkamal Bhowmick and vice-captain Denson Devadas along with Snehashish and Gouranga Biswas could be in action in the midfield. Prayag's new signings -- from Chirag United -- Bello Rasaq and Chintha Chandrashekhar will man the defence alongwith Arnab Mondal and veteran Deepak Mandal.
On Thursday (Round 5)
In Bangalore: HAL vs Prayag United, 3 pm.
In Manipur: Shillong Lajong FC vs Air India
In Thiruvananthapuram: Chirag United Kerala vs Dempo, Goa
In Goa: Salgaocar SC vs Mumbai FC
In Kolkata: Mohun Bagan vs Churchill Brothers.