Mohun Bagan face tough Punjab FC test after unconvincing win over Chennaiyin

KOLKATA: Mohun Bagan Super Giant will have their task cut out against Punjab FC at the Salt Lake Stadium here on Saturday. The hosts earned a hard-fought win against Chennaiyin FC in their last match, but their below par show left coach Panagiotis Dilimperis lots to worry about.The fixture will also see two former co-workers meeting each other as Punjab FC coach Pavlos Dermitzakis was once the mentor of Panos. However, the Bagan coach tried to play down that aspect. “Pavlos is my dear friend. He was my mentor at the beginning of my coaching career. He is a good coach and a good person. But when coaching at Mohun Bagan, there is no time to dwell on emotions and feelings,” he stated.The two sides played out a goalless draw after 120 minutes in the IFA Shield semifinal earlier this month before Bagan prevailed in the penalty shootout. But Panos preferred to look ahead. “The IFA Shield has nothing to do with this match. We did not get the national team players then. So there is no comparison between these two matches,” he stated.Punjab FC have been unbeaten in this ISL so far winning two and drawing one game so far. Their boys have shown great resilience with late goals proving decisive in all their three outings. The Bagan midfield should prevent their rivals from launching quick counterattacks and controlling the game there. However, midfielder Lalengmawia Ralte is yet to regain full fitness, while Brazilian forward Miguel Figueira is still struggling with a hamstring problem. But the hosts could also receive a boost with Australian striker Jamie Maclaren is learnt to be nearing a return from a groin injury sustained during the IFA Shield semifinal. Panos might also think of playing Anirudh Thapa from the word go along with Subhasish Bose.Separated by just a point, both sides have a lot to play for.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.