Margao: An exciting contest is on the cards as Dempo take on Salgaocar FC in the 21st round of the I-League, to be played at Nehru Stadium in Fatorda here tomorrow.
The winter break has done good for both the Goan teams as they have remained unbeaten in their last four matches with Salgaocar going up the ladder to remain third with 30 points from 18 matches, seven behind table topper Bengaluru FC, who have played one match more than Salgaocar. Dempo has climbed to the sixth position with 25 points from 18 matches.
Salgaocar, who have a match in hand, are seven points behind leader Bengaluru FC and coach Derick Pereira knows that at this stage they cannot afford to lose and that it is important to win to keep themselves in the fray for the title race.
Dudu Omagbemi, who is livewire upfront and Salgaocar will be relying on him to deliver the goods along with Darryl Duffy, who has been the main goal scorer with 10 goals.
Nicolau Colaco continues to be on the injury list and captain Francis Fernades is also not cent per cent fit and coach Derick Pereira will wait for tomorrow to take a call on his fitness.
"It's the first time we are playing at Fatorda after the stadium underwent renovation and are looking forward for a positive result. The boys are working hard to maintan the winning momentum and are eager to take on Dempo who have recruited a couple of new foreign players and also from Pailan Arrows, are completely new side and much stronger and we have give our best and remain focus till the end if we are to win tomorrow,"Pereira said.
Dempo, who drew with Salgaocar in the first leg, will be looking to Tolgay Ozbey to score goals.
Defender Haroon Amiri has been a livewire on the flank and Dempo will be banking on him for success along with midfielder Robert Silva in the attack.
With both the teams knowing each other's strategy, it will be a close fight and who ever dominates the midfield will emerge as the winner.
