Mapusa (Goa), Feb 1: Injury-hit Dempo are expected to face a tough time when they meet Mumbai FC tomorrow in the 19th round of the I-league at Duler stadium here.
Dempo, who have lost points in their last few matches, are four points behind leaders Churchill Brothers and two points behind second place East Bengal.
After winning impressively against United Sikkim, it looked that Dempo would collect full points against ONGC but they nearly succumbed defeat for the second time. Peter Carvalho, who scored an injury-time goal, ensured that Dempo snatched a point from the match.
Injury to their key players Mahesh Gawli and Ryuji Sueoka has taken a heavy toll on the defending champions, who have lost the ground to Churchill Brothers at the top. Their defence has been weakened with Debrata Roy being the latest injury casualty.
Prathamesh Maulingar, who has been loaned from Pailan Arrows, is likely to make a debut tomorrow in place of Debrata Roy.
Dempo coach Armando Colaco believes that he has a good bench strength and can make up for the loss against Mumbai FC, who are tricky side.
“Hopefully my boys play to the plan and collect full points which will help us to stay close to leaders Churchill Brothers till the I-League starts on March 23 after a month's break from February 11,” Colaco said.
Mumbai FC, who are placed sixth with 25 points from 17 matches, will need the experience of Yusif Yakubu to get the result in their favour.
Khalid Jamil's men have been consistent this season and are in high spirit after they held strong Churchill Brothers to a draw in their last match.
