The jovial Mohun Bagan Super Giant players, as they warmed up during Sunday's training session, did not reveal that the team has been winless in their last three games. Head coach Jose Molina has been saying that "every game is a new game" while his wards keep repeating the same mistakes.

That's how the script has been for Mohun Bagan since their Durand Cup final loss to NorthEast United FC.

Three weeks later, the two teams lock horns again at the Salt Lake Stadium on Monday, and even if it's Bagan's home encounter, the pressure will be more on Molina's men. Reason: The rub of the green has just not been going their way lately.

In last Wednesday's AFC Champions League II clash against Tajikistan's FC Ravshan, Bagan's defence looked better, but easy chances were blown away by Liston Colaco and Dimitrios Petratos.

For NorthEast, the "underdogs" tag rather spurs them on to turn up the heat on their opponents. The Durand final, where they erased a two-goal deficit before prevailing in the tie-breaker, certainly stands out as an example.

Maclaren boost

Bagan may finally be able to avail of Jamie Maclaren's services. The Australian striker will most likely be utilised as a substitute. "Jamie is available for this game. He attended the entire training session on Saturday," Molina said.