East Bengal have a good chance to continue their ascent as they face a depleted Dempo SC in the I-League football tournament in the Vivekananda Yuva Bharati Krirangan here tomorrow.
Fresh from their win over Salgaocar FC in which Ranty Martins scored a record 200th goal, fourth-placed East Bengal still have a five-point gap with bitter rivals Mohun Bagan who are leading the standings.
The ace Nigerian marksman, who is also the leading goalscorer in the tournament with 15 to his tally, is looking in sublime touch with Dudu Omagbemi whereas Dempo will miss four of their players.
Pranoy Halder, Narayan Das and Carlos Hernandez are injured while Prabir Das is out with suspension, while Tolgay Ozbey is still not fully match-fit.
The former East Bengal Aussie forward started from the bench but fired in two goals in 10 minutes to hand them a 3-2 thrilling win at home against second-placed Royal Wahingdoh.
"Tolgay is 75% fit now but did well in the last two matches. So, we are hoping for a good match tomorrow," Dempo Assistant Coach Mauricio Afonso said on the eve of the match.
Carlos' groin injury has ruled him out of the season but Afonso said he's confident with whatever resources he's got.
"Definitely we will miss him, but we will have to go on with whatever materials we have. Whoever comes in his place has to give his best."
The Golden Eagles have 16 points to be placed sixth as they have quite a catch up to do and Afonso sees leaders Mohun Bagan loss in Shillong to Wahingdoh has opened up the standings as he's keeping his fingers crossed.
"Any of the top five teams of the table can win the league. The scenario is taking a turn now and we saw Wahingdoh beat Mohun Bagan and Bengaluru beat Pune. You can't predict anything at the moment."
With the ongoing civic polls, this match too will be played closed doors due to unavailability of police deployment and the Dempo official said he's used to the empty atmosphere.
"I have never played before empty stands in Kolkata, but everywhere else it's always empty. That will not be a problem for us, but it can be for the hosts.
