Goa giants and title favourites, Dempo suffered one of the biggest losses in recent times when they were outplayed 1-5 by Pune FC at their home. That caused them losing the pole position to state-rival Churchill Brothers.
Although Dempo will start as clear favourites tomorrow, they have suffered major blows with English forward Rohan Ricketts and seasoned Mahesh Gawli ruled out with injuries, besides there is also a cloud of uncertainty over Japanese striker Ryuiji Sueoka taking the field as he did not turn up for today's practice for a niggle.
Nigerian Koko Sakibo was the only foreigner who turned out for the morning practice.
The seriousness in the camp was palpable as coach Armando Colaco chose to avoid the media, and instead asked his senior players to do the talking.
"We lost our last match against Pune FC but hopefully that would not have any impression in tomorrow's match. It will be a new day and a new game," goalkeeper Subhasish Roy Chowdhury told reporters.
"It is right that Arrows are the only side without a foreigner but the team is very good as they are grooming the future India players. Arrows are full of energy. They will definitely look to make the most the home advantage," he added.
The Arrows will be taking the field after a 11-day break as their 11th round match against Mohun Bagan was deferred.
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"We have been playing every week and that set us in a rhythm. We hope the break would not affect the rhythm and the team continues to play its original game," coach Arthur Papas said.
Arrows would be taking confidence from their 1-1 draw against Dempo in their last meeting at the Federation Cup.
"But that happened quite some time ago in September. Dempo is a good side and has a fine balance of foreign and Indian players. It would be a tough challenge," Papas said.
Dempo have 25 points from 11 matches, while Arrows are on 14 points from 10 matches.