Title contenders Sheikh Jamal DC and Sheikh Russel KC will be vying for the solo lead in the Grameenphone Bangladesh Premier League when they
lock horns in today’s crucial match at the Bangabandhu National Stadium.
Both are in at the top of the nine-team table with Sheikh Jamal and Abahani leading the field with 16 points from six matches, just one point ahead of Sheikh Russel KC. An outright victory for either side will take them clear of joint leaders Abahani, who have played a match more than today’s contestants.
Former champions Sheikh Jamal DC are the only unbeaten side in the league and have been consistent, posting two consecutive victories after dropping points in a goalless draw against Abahani. Federation Cup champions Sheikh Russel meanwhile have gradually been regaining their Federation Cup form and four successive victories since a 3-1 reversal against Mohammedan is ample evidence of their rise.
Sheikh Russel have been taking inspiration from their 2-1 triumph in the Federation Cup final over Sheikh Jamal as well as their league biggest 6-0 win over Arambagh KS in their previous match. The absence of winger Zahid Hossain is certainly a blow for Sheikh Russel — the in-form speedy winger picked up an injury in a motorcycle accident on Monday rendering him unavailable for today’s crucial tie. But coach Maruful Haque will pin his hopes on Haitian Sony Nodre, Moroccan Tarik El Janabi and the striking duo of Mithun Chowdhury and Zahid Hasan Emily.
Sheikh Jamal, on the other hand, will certainly be looking forward to avenge their Federation Cup loss to Sheikh Russel and to consolidate their lead in a bid to secure their second professional league title.
Sheikh Jamal will take inspiration from their record against Sheikh Russel in the professional league as the Dhanmondi-based outfit have defeated their rivals twice and drawn twice in the four matches they played over the last two seasons.
-With The Daily Star input
