A keen tussle is on the cards as league leaders Dempo take on IFA Shield runners-up Churchill Brothers in the ninth round of the Oil-PSU National Football League, which resumes on Friday at the Nehru stadium, in Margao, Goa, after a month's gap.

Dempo, who lead the league table with 19 points from eight matches, a point above East Bengal, have not quite been in practice during the month's break and the absence of defender Bolaji and striker Francis Silveira, who have played the key role in their team's success thus far in the tournament, will affect their rhythm.

Bolaji and Silveira, who were taken on loan, have to return to their team, Fransa, and will play in the second division NFL, starting next month.

On the other hand, Churchill, who are in fifth position with 13 points, are in the thick of action, having participated in the Durand Cup and the IFA Shield, where they finished runners-up to East Bengal, during the month's break. They are in fine nick, which gives them an edge over their slightly rusty rivals.

Dempo have recruited two Brazilians, defender Jose Luciano and striker Luis Antonio, but only Luciano will play tomorrow and it is to be seen how he fits in the team's scheme of things.

Striker Bijen Singh, who was not seen in action at the NFL, will replace Silveira.

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