Calcutta: Sony Nordy's absence notwithstanding, Mohun Bagan are the favourites when they lock horns with a struggling Dempo in Sunday's I-League encounter, here, at the Salt Lake Stadium.

It's after a long time that Bagan find themselves in a better and stronger position than the five-time national league champions, who have dominated on most occasions in the past against the green and maroons.

Placed second at present with 15 points from seven matches, a win against Dempo will help Bagan dislodge Bengaluru FC from the pole. The Bagan camp doesn't seem to be too bothered with the unavailability of Sony, who was red-carded in the previous match.

'Look, we've had a long break. So, we need to start afresh,' said coach Sanjay Sen on match eve. Honestly, we are not at all perturbed with who's there for us and who's not. At this level, you can't look for excuses. We must make sure we get the job done because past results don't matter at all now,' Sen added.

Jeje Lalpekhlua may replace Sony with Pierre Boya and Balwant Singh likely to be the men upfront. 'I need to maintain my form. I know I have a job at hand and I must do it properly,' said Boya.