Viva to lock horns with East Bengal in ONGC-I league tomorrow

Kozhikode, Feb 16 (UNI) Despite assured relegation from first division soocer, debutant Viva Kerala is expected to improve its position when they lock horns with East Bengal in the penultimate round of the ONGC I-League here tommorrow.

But the task seems to be tough for the home side as the Bengal club would fight it out in its bid to remain in the premier league.

Viva was at the 9th position with 12 points from 16 encounters as against the Kolkata club, which was just above with 15 points from as many outings.

It cannot expect to showcase a better performance in the final round on February 23 either as it would be a much harder task for them to overcome table topper and mighty Dempo, which had 32 points.

The other team facing sure relegation was bottom dweller Salgaocar (10 pts), which meets Dempo in the 17th round in Goa tommorrow.

With the prestigious I-League drawing to a closure, Dempo (32 pts) emerged favourite having an edge over other aspirant Churchill Brothers (32 points) with better goal difference.

Punjab's premier club JCT was sailing at third with 29 points followed by Mohun Bagan at fourth with 28 points.

UNI PCH ROY AB BST1859