{image-mahindra united_22122007.jpg news.oneindia.in}Mumbai, Dec 22: Local giants Mahindra United, after going off the boil in the initial matches of the inaugural I-League appear to have regained their confidence as they will take on an injury hit East Bengal in their seventh round match at the Cooperage stadium here tomorrow.

Mahindra United after starting with a draw against local rivals Air India, suffered their worst defeat of the league when they were thrashed by Goa's Churchill Brothes 5-1 before earning draws against JCT, Viva Kerala and Salgaocar apart from a 3-0 win over Sporting Clube-de-Goa. The six-points gained from their last four games and the return to fitness of star striker Yusif Yakubu have boosted the confidence of the 2005-06 NFL champions for the important clash against the Kolkata giants.

Both the teams have got seven points so far from six games.

This has put Mahindra United finalists in both the Federation and Durand Cup tournaments back on track and they now appear to have regained some of the lost momentum.

East Bengal, three times winners of the NFL, have injury worries about key players on the eve of the match.

Brazilian striker Edmilson Marques and influential midfielder Alvito D'Cunha are doubtful starters, according to coach Subrato Bhattacharya, who also said midfielder Mehtab Hossain would have to sit out with two bookings.

In spite of these setbacks, East Bengal, who lost 0-1 to Air India in their previous tie here, would still be a force to be reckoned with.

UNI