KALYANI, December 28 : Prayag United SC will look to regain the winning form when they take on visitor Sporting Cube de Goa in the concluding round of the first phase of I-League, in Kalyani Stadium, on Saturday (December 29).

The two opponents have contrasting situations in the league standings but are equated by losses in the previous round. Prayag United are placed sixth with 17 points while Sporting Clube is struggling in the relegation zone with just eight points from the previous 11 rounds.

Sporting Clube, who are looking to revive their fortune under new Spanish coach Oscar Bruzon, have not been able to make much improvement and suffered one of the biggest losses in the history of the tournament when they were trounced 8-4 by Churchill Brothers.

“I have taken over midway in the tournament and would need some time to bring the team back in shape,” said Bruzon.

“Our opponent has the home advantage but we will try our best to neutralise that. I hope the team will do well playing in the Spanish system which I am trying to get in place,” he added.

The Sporting Clube coach was particularly impressed by the presence of Nigerian striker Ranty Martins in Prayag ranks. “I am told that Ranty is a very good striker. I have a plan to restrict him from for playing his natural game. I hope my team will be able to realise that on field,” Bruzon said.

Sporting Clube will be looking at their two foreigners Ogba Kalu and Keita Boubacar for solidity. The team also has a good mix of youth and experience, which Bruzon hoped will lend balance to the side.

The Prayag United coach Eelco Schattorie said that his team is desperate to earn full points in the home match.

"Conditions of the ground (at Kalyani Stadium) is good. Though this is not our home ground, we don't think we will have any problem playing here. The advantages and the disadvantages are same for both the sides. So, we are not ready to read too much into it. But since it's our home match, the boys will be desperate to bag full three points. We will try to make the most of the conditions," the Dutch said after the practice.

The team will miss their ace defender Bello Razaq as he has been handed a two-match suspension after an tussle with East Bengal's Uga Okpara in a Round XI match. "Having Bello in the defence is always a boost. But I hope the other players won't let his absence be felt," the coach said.

Carlos Hernandez may miss the tie due to an injury. If he fails to take the ground, Ranti will be the lone foreigner for the hosts. Kayne Vincent is out of action for quite a long time due to injury.

Though Sporting Clube's performance this season hasn't been too awe-inspiring, Schattorie is not ready to take them lightly.

"Sporting Clube are a good side. We will have to give our best to win tomorrow," he signed off.

The kick-off is at 2.00pm.