Pune, Feb 1 (IANS) Air India might be out of the race for the top positions, but they have the capability to upset top teams, something that Churchill Brothers would be wary of when they meet the Mumbai outfit in the 18th round I-League football clash at the Balewadi Sports Complex stadium Thursday.

Though Air India has always struggled against Churchill, losing four times in five encounters so far with one being drawn 2-2 in the last season, Air India are in a good run of form and will be hard to beat.

After being off colour in the early part of the season, Sandesh Gadkari has been keeping the forward line alive and with Nigerian Henry Ezeh for his support, Air India’s strike force looks potent enough.

Moreover, with the defence getting back Ramandeep Singh, it would make coach Santosh Kashyap’s job easier to have more strikers and unsettle Churchill Brothers.

Takayuki Omi should be back in the playing eleven for Air India who lost to Churchill 0-2 in the away tie in the early part of the season.

The Goans will look towards Gabonese Henry Antchouet, who won the man-of-the-match award for his exploits against East Bengal last week.

With 30 points from 16 matches, Churchill are the best placed team to challenge fellow Goan team Dempo as they have played a match less than the others. While Air India have 24 points from 17 outings.

Pune, Feb 1 (IANS) Air India might be out of the race for the top positions, but they have the capability to upset top teams, something that Churchill Brothers would be wary of when they meet the Mumbai outfit in the 18th round I-League football clash at the Balewadi Sports Complex stadium Thursday.

Though Air India has always struggled against Churchill, losing four times in five encounters so far with one being drawn 2-2 in the last season, Air India are in a good run of form and will be hard to beat.

After being off colour in the early part of the season, Sandesh Gadkari has been keeping the forward line alive and with Nigerian Henry Ezeh for his support, Air India’s strike force looks potent enough.

Moreover, with the defence getting back Ramandeep Singh, it would make coach Santosh Kashyap’s job easier to have more strikers and unsettle Churchill Brothers.

Takayuki Omi should be back in the playing eleven for Air India who lost to Churchill 0-2 in the away tie in the early part of the season.

The Goans will look towards Gabonese Henry Antchouet, who won the man-of-the-match award for his exploits against East Bengal last week.

With 30 points from 16 matches, Churchill are the best placed team to challenge fellow Goan team Dempo as they have played a match less than the others. While Air India have 24 points from 17 outings.