Things have changed much in the I-League since its resumption in the New Year. Sreenidi Deccan, who had finished 2022 as table-toppers, has dropped to second place after being defeated at home for the first time, and RoundGlass Punjab FC has grabbed the top spot. Rajasthan United had a role
They are just two points behind leader Sreenidi Deccan but Staikos Vergetis's men have played two matches less. Kenkre are third from the bottom right now, with ten points from as many matches.
Tough matches bring the best out of good sides. RoundGlass Punjab FC stayed true to the maxim here at Tau Devi Lal Stadium on Sunday, January 8, beating NEROCA FC 3-1 in a keen contest.
Seven of the last eight I-League seasons have been decided on the final day, and it's no surprise to see a similar pattern evolving this time around too.
RoundGlass Punjab FC lost their last encounter against Churchill Brothers FC 2 - 1 last season. RGPFC is currently fifth in the table with 13 points from 6 matches while Churchill Brothers FC are eighth in the table with 8 points from 7 matches.
The hosts head into the fixture with confidence sky-high after two morale-boosting wins at home against RoundGlass Punjab FC (2-0) and city rivals NEROCA FC (2-1).
Buanthanglun Samte and Salam Johnson Singh found the net on either side of the breather to give TRAU a much-needed win and end a run of three straight losses. The result also ended the visitors' unbeaten start as they also failed to find the net in a match for the first time this season.
Daniel Lalhlimpuia's fantastic strike in the 13th minute looked to be the winning goal for the hosts but super substitute Gyamar Nikum snatched a late equalizer in second half stoppage time to ensure that the spoils are shared.
The hosts, in their previous encounter, won narrowly against Mohammedan SC, thanks to an early goal by Luka Majcen, while Rajasthan United will seek a return to form as they faced a 0-2 defeat at the hands of Real Kashmir. The two teams previously faced each other on two occasions with Punja
RoundGlass Punjab FC won both their matches last season against Rajasthan United. RGPFC is currently second in the table with 6 points below Real Kashmir FC on goal difference while Rajasthan United FC is eighth in the table with 3 points.
The hosts will be looking to build on their 2-1 victory against Sreenidi Deccan FC in the opening round while on the other hand, Mohammedan will seek their first win after going down narrowly (0-1) against champions Gokulam Kerala FC on the inaugural day of the new season.