Big clash as league resumes today

After a two-day gap, the Grameenphone Bangladesh Premier League resumes today at the Bangabandhu National Stadium with the Dhanmondi derby between holders Sheikh Jamal Dhanmondi Club and three-time champions Abahani Ltd.
Defending champions Sheikh Jamal, who have been struggling in the professional football league since the season's curtain-raising Federation Cup triumph after dropping 11 points in six matches, will be looking forward to taming three-time champions Abahani in a bid to return to the title race.
Nevertheless, the task will be a tough one for Sheikh Jamal as Abahani, who are in the second position with 14 points from six matches, are the lone unbeaten side in the league and are aiming to topple leaders Muktijoddha Sangsad.
“To recover the points we lost in the past as well as to keep the image of the club intact, a victory against Abahani is very important for us and we will go there for a win,” said Sheikh Jamal coach Abu Yousuf adding that he would miss two key players in winger Femi Orunnimi for suspension and goalkeeper Aminul Haq, who is outside the country.
The return of Awudu Ibrahim will boost the confidence of Abahani but they may miss the service of speedy winger Zahdi Hasan, who is nursing an injury.
“Every match is important and we see no alternative but to beat Sheikh Jamal if we want to go top of the table,” said Abahani manager Sattayjit Das Rupu.