MMC will lock horns with holder Nepal Police Club, which has won all four editions of the league held in the last six years. Three Star will face NMB Bank Machhindra Club on Wednesday.[break]
After the completion of round 20, leader Three Star Club has a strong possibility of lifting the trophy. Three Star with 42 points holds a five-point lead over second-placed MMC, which is still a contender for the title. But, even wins in both its remaining matches would not ensure the title for MMC as its fate would also depend on the outcomes of Three Star´s matches.
In such a situation, the result of Wednesday´s match could be vital in determining the title. Unlike MMC that has not won the league title since 2062 BS, Three Star is in a comfortable position. The last time Three Star won the title was in 2061 BS.
If MMC loses or draws Wednesday´s first match against Police, Three Star will become the league champion irrespective of the results of Three Star´s remaining two matches. But if MMC wins, Three Star must defeat Machhindra to claim the title with a match in hand. Otherwise, the title will be decided in the last match.
"We want to claim the settle on Wednesday," Three Star coach Pradip Humagain said. "Our priority is the title rather than to extend the league thrill to the last match. The players are also prepared for this," said Humagain, who began his coaching career in the top-tier team from this current season.
"We are also eagerly waiting for MMC´s encounter with Police as the result will be of great significance to us as well," said Humagain. "If the match ends in a draw or defeat for MMC, we will be crowned champions before our encounter with Machhindra. But we are more focused on our match. Irrespective of any situation, we wish to become champions beating Machhindra."
"The club as well as players are taking Wednesday´s match as the final. Players are mentally prepared for this," said Humagain.
Meanwhile, Machhindra coach Raju Shakya has a different strategy. "If MMC beats Police, Three Star will come under pressure and we will take advantage of that against the leader," Shakya said, adding that his side´s priority was to climb up in the league.
Meanwhile, MMC is in no mood to give up despite Three Star holding an edge over his side. "First we should win our match, then only we will be in a position to wait for Three Star´s match," said MMC coach Chhiring Lopsang.
Lopsang plans to come up aggressively and take the title race into the last match. Meanwhile, Police must beat MMC to keep afloat its hopes of finishing third.
Wednesday´s matches
MMC Vs Police @ 12:30 NST
Three Star Vs Machhindra @ 15:30 NST
Venue: Dasharath Stadium
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