Placed in Group-B -- the so-called group of death also involving Muktijoddha Sangsad -- the two sides renew their rivalry with the target of winning their only trophy in a prize-less season.

Abahani have not lost to their archrivals in four meetings this season and look in a better shape as they have lost only three players to the national squad. They will be boosted by the return of fullback Wali Faisal, who was not considered for the Pakistan-bound SAFF squad.

Mohammedan, on the other hand, have five players on national duty. Although Faisal Mahmud and Asad were released on Thursday, the two have yet to contact the Black and Whites management till last night.

Abahani coach Amlesh Sen told yesterday that absence of three key players to the national team would not affect much. He, however, was worried about in-form striker Bulbul who trained with fever.

Bulbul, a guest player from Sheikh Russel Krira Chakra, scored twice against the national team in an exhibition match and slammed a hattrick in their 5-1 first-round win against Feni Soccer Club.

In case Bulbul is ruled out for today's game, Abahani will rely on four foreign players, defender Marshall, midfielders Ndem and Egir Mohammed and forward Ibrahim.

And it would turn into a battle of Africans as Mohammedan also will field four from the Dark Continent.

Mohammedan, who drew goalless with Muktijoddha in the first match, have strengthen their squad by including Nigerian players Divine and Francis, who international clearance arrived last night. They will join fellow countrymen Emeka and Peter Odaf.

Coach Shafiqul Islam Manik has taken charge just before the National League and said that despite missing seven booters, he is confident of a win.

"There is always extra pressure in Abahani-Mohammedan matches but I hope the players would be able to cope with it. We have a competitive side," said Manik, who was sacked by Muktijoddha in the middle of the Premier League.