Defending champions Dempo take on Super Cup champions Sporting Clube De Goa in the inaugural match of the 10th ONGC National Football League in Margao, Goa, on Tuesday.
Riddled with injuries, Dempo did not start the season well, losing out early in the Federation and Durand Cups.
But the title win in Goa's professional league early this year lifted their morale and they are all set to make an impression in the NFL and retain the title.
Both teams are evenly poised but Dempo hold an edge over their rivals as they have beaten them thrice in four outings.
Dempo coach Armando Colaco's main worry is injuries to his key players. With Riston Rodrigues, Jose Colaco and Valeriano Rebello being ruled out due to knee injuries, he has to rely on his stopgap players in the initial stage of the league.
Armando is hopeful his latest Brazilian recruit Roberto Mendes Silva will be an able foil to Nigerian Ranty Martins, who has been in good nick this season.
"I know it will be tough to maintain our position. But I like the challenge. I will use all the resources available to maintain the top position till our key players return from injuries," Colaco said.
Sporting coach Clifford Chukawama was disappointed when they lost to Mahindra United in the Federation Cup final and later to Army XI in the Durand Cup final.
"This is a thing I do not want to be repeated. I have told my boys to fully concentrate till the end, to achieve result and I am hopeful my boys will not let me down as we want to win the NFL this year, which we lost last year to Dempo narrowly," he said.
"The spirit of our boys is high since they want to start the league on a winning note," he added.
Dudu Omagbemi, Edeh Chidi and Adebayo Adewuse have combined well in the professional league.
The emergence of Nicholas Rodrigues and Nicalau Borges has been heartening in the midfield. With Bibian Fernandes and Wilton Gomes playing the pivotal role in the midfield, Sporting have a good attack.
The Sporting defence is little shaky with Filipe Gomes being the most consistent.
