It's early days in the marathon tournament but "getting the momentum right from the start will be the key" as Prayag coach Sanjay Sen puts it.
Having thrashed Air India 5-1 in their opening game and then beating heavyweights Mohun Bagan 2-1, ONGC is not in the same rung but Sen doesn't want complacency to creep in.
"We can't take any team lightly. Especially, on a small ground like Ambedkar, where it's difficut to use width of the ground. If the opposition resort to defensive tactics, it becomes difficult to create openings," Sen reasoned.
With Nigerian stopper Bello Rasaq back in the scheme of things after serving one-match ban, the choice is between Rasaq and New Zealand forward Kayne Vincent.
While Rasaq can add solidity to the deep defence, there is every possibility that Vincent might start alongside prolific striker Ranty Martins and Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos. Vincent scored the winning goal against Bagan and Prayag coach is in a mood to pump in as many goals as possible.
"I liked the condition of the Ambedkar ground. It's lush green and boys felt good about the fact that they will get to play on quality natural turf. The weather is really nice and a 3 pm is an ideal time to start the proceedings."
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All eyes will be on Costa Rican Carlos who has grabbed a lot of eyeballs with his brilliant show against Bagan. Already being dubbed as one of the finest foreigners to have played in India, Carlos would like to enhance his reputation against a side which had lost their last game 0-5 against the formidable Churchill Brothers.
"The two week gap has been a blessing for us. It has helped players to get rid of minor niggles and are hungry to get into action," the former India colts coach said.