Kolkata: Spirited Pailan Arrows will look to return to winning ways when they face a depleted ONGC in the ninth round of I-League here on Saturday. An uninspiring start to the season, three defeats in a row, with their last one at Sporting Clube de Goa, has stalled the progress of the AIFF's developmental outfit.
Slipped to seventh place with 11 points from eight rounds, the team will look to bounce back as their Aussie coach Arthur Papas has insisted to make the best use of the situation. "We are looking to regain the rhythm after our loss in the last match. Tomorrow we play at home and it's time to get our act together," Papas said.
The Arrows coach will be looking towards his strikers - Holicharan Narzary and Alwyn George and attacking midfielder Milan Singh to deliver the goods in the crucial match as the side is devoid of any injury issue.
But Papas was in no mood to underestimate ONGC who are currently in the relegation zone with five points. "They beat a side like Dempo and also held Mohun Bagan to a goalless draw. Also one shouldn't forget their 1-1 draw against United."
ONGC coach Subrata Bhattacharya on the other hand will have his task cut out he sits down to select the team. Nigerian defender Hassan Adeola and the hardworking Japanese midfielder Katsumi Yusa are serving suspensions while former India International and captain of the side, Jatin Bisht stays unavailable for of personal reasons.
"Our first effort will be to get the team out of its present situation," Bhattacharya said. "Arrows are a very good side. The players are young and fit. They have lot of energy and chase lot. We will have to play well to succeed against them," the ONGC coach said. "We have a good reserve bench and will hopefully find the replacements for the names missing."
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