Punjab State League: Minerva aim for a win against Punjab Police

Mohali: Minerva Punjab FC will look to get back to winning ways, when they take on Punjab Police in their third final round match of the 31st Punjab Football League at the Sri Guru Hargobind Stadium on Friday. The Chandigarh based side are however still unbeaten in the league and have won three, while drawing four of the total seven matches they have played so far in the two rounds.

The Juan Luis Perez Herrera coached side topped the group standings with 11 points from five matches in the opening round, but have failed to replicate their performances in the last two matches. They went ahead against CRPF but failed to win, however came back from behind against RCF to draw. The defence has been organised throughout but looked shaky at times while their attacks have flourished and will look to continue their scoring streak when they face an opponent that have already conceded six goals in seven matches.

Punjab Police, on the other hand are also unbeaten in the league, but have won only two of the seven matches they have played. Their performances have been good, but has lacked the bite in recent times. Defensively, they are organised but will have to improve their attacking impetus if they are to beat a tough Minerva defence.

New signing Chencho Gultshen kwown as the ‘Ronaldo’ of Bhutan, Girik Khosla and Moinuddin- all of who looked in fine touch after coming on as substitutes may be named in the starting line-up. They all were instrumental in finding the equaliser, especially Chencho, who threatened the RCF defence ever since coming on.

Coach Perez is however not taking the opposition lightly and want to win at all costs. “It’s a must win game and we are going with out best XI,” said the Spanish.

With no injuries or suspensions to worry about, Perez has all his weapons ready to go for the kill, as Minerva aim to end their I-League preparations in style.