After a poor run in their recent matches, table toppers Mohun Bagan will aim to turn their fortunes around when they face Shillong Lajong here tomorrow.
But Bagan has been hit hard but the absence of their head coach Sanjoy Sen who was suspended for four matches. To make matters worse, the Kolkata outfit also lost their assistant coach Shankarlal Chakrabarti in their previous match.
Physical trainer Djair De Miranda Garcia, who is taking over proceedings for tomorrow's match admitted that it was a "big loss".
"I have to repeat the same words, it is a very tough match and will be very difficult for us. My team is mentally and psychologically prepared for this game, a game which could kill us or make us survive," Garcia said.
To add to Bagan's woes, Haitian Sony Norde, who has been one of their most important players, will also miss tomorrow's match.
Host Shillong Lajong will be on their toes after managing to regain confidence following a thrilling 3-1 win over North East neighbours, Aizawl FC.
Thangboi Singto, who has managed to rally his troops through that North East derby match, will be looking to capitalise on Mohun Bagan's poor run lately, with the added absence of Sanjoy Sen and Shankarlal Chakrabati.
"A new and big challenge awaits us tomorrow. The quality they possess is very good and the players are always fit," he said.
Shillong Lajong are in the fourth position in the league, but only two points separate them and the bottom team.
In the absence of Sen, Singto said it will not make much difference as he expects the visitors to be well prepared for the match.
"The coach only works in the training pitch, but it is the players who will have to carry it out on the field," he said.
The Kolkata side are on top of the table with 25 points from 13 games, but their defeat against East Bengal in the last match have allowed their arch-rivals to get back in contention for the title along with Bengaluru FC who are on equal points, but with a game still to play.
Shillong Lajong's Penn Orji will lead the side in Aibor Khongjee's abscence in tomorrow's game.
