Goa/Srinagar, April 18 (NationPress) Real Kashmir FC is aiming to ascend the league standings as they take on Sreenidi Deccan FC, while Rajasthan United FC makes their way to Dempo Sports Club in the Indian Football League (IFL) 2025-26 double-header scheduled for Sunday. These matches hold significant implications, with the visiting teams in pursuit of the league title, Dempo striving for a top-six finish, and Real Kashmir determined to rise as high as possible to stave off relegation.

Dempo SC is keen to leverage their improving form in front of their home fans. Currently sitting in seventh place with nine points from eight matches, Aizawl's loss on Saturday has already secured their position in the top six for the championship phase.

After achieving a solid 3-0 victory over Shillong Lajong FC earlier this month, marking their first win of the season, head coach Samir Naik aims to maintain a strong defensive posture and maximize their offensive opportunities to further climb the league table.

Naik is focused on the team's consistent mindset for the upcoming match. "We will step onto the pitch with the same positive attitude as before," Naik stated. "Our goal remains unchanged: we aim to win, especially in this crucial clash. Our preparations are very positive."

Forward Richmond Owusu shared this collective ambition, saying, "This match is crucial for us as we have clear objectives. Every player is ready for this challenge. We are united in our pursuit of all three points."

As they head to Goa, Rajasthan United FC enters as a formidable contender for the Championship phase. Currently positioned fourth in the standings with 14 points, the Desert Warriors are firmly in the title race.

Under head coach Vikrant Sharma, the team has adopted a possession-based strategy, focusing on building plays from the back. Following a series of encouraging results, a win on the road could elevate them to second place, significantly narrowing the gap with league leaders Diamond Harbour FC.

Sharma noted the squad's high spirits but cautioned against complacency. "The atmosphere is very uplifting, and we must make winning a routine. Recent critical late victories have bolstered our confidence," Sharma remarked. "However, we cannot underestimate Dempo; they are a disciplined team, and playing in Goa is always a demanding task."

Defender Abhishek Ambekar emphasized the importance of managing the game effectively. "Our core philosophy remains unchanged, but when playing away, we must exercise even greater discipline," Ambekar explained. "We need to remain compact and manage the initial phases well. Controlling the ball allows us to dictate play. We are aiming for all three points to keep our hopes alive in the top-two race."

Rajasthan United will draw confidence from their past encounters against the Goan side, having remained unbeaten in their two league meetings with Dempo SC, with one victory and one draw. Notably, they hold a superior goal difference of 5-1 in these matchups, including a decisive 4-0 win during their last encounter in Margao on February 1, 2025.

On the other side, Real Kashmir FC welcomes Sreenidi Deccan FC to the TRC Stadium, riding high from a remarkable 6-2 victory over Gokulam Kerala FC in their last match.

Currently positioned at the bottom of the table with five points from eight matches, the Snow Leopards are entrenched in a struggle for survival; however, a win on Sunday could see them leapfrog over Namdhari SC and escape the last spot.

Head coach Ishfaq Ahmed believes his team has found their attacking rhythm at a critical moment in the season. They intend to leverage their direct and physical style along with the challenging local conditions in Srinagar to secure consecutive victories.

Ahmed underscored the necessity for precision in front of goal. "The mindset is always to win, especially at home," Ahmed emphasized. "The team has shown considerable improvement in performance, but we have struggled to convert our dominance into wins. Tomorrow, being clinical is essential."

Mirroring his coach's urgency, goalkeeper Furqan Ahmad highlighted the high stakes for the home team. "Every match feels like a final for us now," Furqan stressed. "We are playing well, but we need the points to rise in the standings. We have a clear strategy, aiming for a clean sheet and a victory."

Meanwhile, Sreenidi Deccan FC travels to Srinagar firmly in contention for the top spot. Currently in second place with 15 points, a victory is vital for the Deccan Warriors to close the gap on league leaders Diamond Harbour FC.

Head coach Carlos Vaz Pinto's squad continues to employ high-intensity pressing and quick transitions to maintain control. They will need to break through the hosts' robust defense and confident attack to secure maximum points and continue their pursuit of the summit.

Pinto acknowledged the unique challenges of facing a team fighting for survival. "Their need for points makes the game more challenging. They are coming off a convincing win and have added new players, which gives them extra energy," Pinto warned. "Playing in Kashmir is always difficult due to their strong home support. We need to be fully prepared for this match's demands."

Sreenidi Deccan's midfielder Lalthankhuma expressed mutual respect for the opposition. "Real Kashmir is a strong team with quality players, and their position in the standings does not accurately reflect their true capabilities," Lalthankhuma remarked. "Nevertheless, we are here to battle for three points and will give our utmost on the field."

Historical matches grant the home side a psychological advantage, as Real Kashmir has remained unbeaten against Sreenidi Deccan in their last seven encounters, securing two wins and five draws. In these matchups, the Snow Leopards have slightly edged their opponents with a score of 11-9, which includes a 1-1 draw in their last meeting in Hyderabad on February 6, 2025.

With Dempo SC striving to enter the top six, Sreenidi Deccan and Rajasthan United competing for supremacy at the summit, and Real Kashmir desperately working to avoid relegation, Sunday’s double-header is set to have profound implications across the league standings.