David Lalhlansanga is now the 'talk of the town' before the Mohammedan Sporting's first derby clash with Mohun Bagan in the CFL Premier Division tie at Kalyani Stadium on Thursday. 

The 22-year-old striker who was the product of Aizawl FC has already earned respect from most of his opposition teams through his consistency. He has already scored 15 goals in the Premier Division so far, helping Mohammedan Sporting to sit on the top of the League table with 28 points from 11 matches. 

David seems confident that he will continue scoring even against Mohun Bagan on Thursday. He does not want to think over the defenders or midfielders who will try to stop him on Thursday. He has done only one thing. He called up his parents and especially his elder sister, the key earner of his family, and took their blessings for his first derby against Mohun Bagan. 

The footballer who can play both as an opportunist striker and as a creative striker, playing from behind and feeding his teammates with scoring passes seems energized after receiving the encouraging words from his family. 

Mohammedan Sporting's Russian coach Andrew Chernyshov however avoided divulging his technical observation and the state of his team's footballers and Mohun Bagan. While speaking to the media on Wednesday evening, the coach rather hailed club fans for their passion and support of the team. He said, "The fans are truly good. Today also their support can help the footballers to deliver their best." 

Mohun Bagan which has garnered 20 points from nine matches so far, needs points to ensure a berth in the Super-Six stage of the League. But the team is crippled by the uncertainty of a few key footballers, especially the four who were in the national under-23 team that returned from China on Wednesday night. 

According to coach Bastav Roy, "Uncertainty looms large over fielding our four key footballers like our goalkeeper, central defender Sumit Rathi, central midfielder Hnamte and the striker Suhail Bhat. They are the team's 'spine'. Additionally, Amandeep is already booked for the match. Still, we will have to try our best. We will start as underdog."

Commenting on Mohammedan Sporting, Roy praised a lot and said, "David is always a factor. He has been scoring goals consistently. He looks sharp on the box. This apart, the midfielders are also in good form. Otherwise, they would not have won nine out of their 11 matches in the group."