AFC Cup Match Preview: Balestier Khalsa vs East Bengal
Singapore’s Balestier Khalsa takes on East Bengal in a crucial AFC Cup Group F tie at the Toa Payoh Stadium, Singapore on Tuesday. The home side has lost both games previously against Johor Darul and Kitchee.
East Bengal on the other hand managed to hold mighty Kitchee FC to a 1-1 draw at their home last week. Eelco Schattorie is missing several first team players. He would look forward to bag at least a point from this away fixture.
Venue
Toa Payoh Stadium is a multi-purpose stadium in Toa Payoh, Singapore. It is currently used mostly for football matches and is the home stadium of Balestier Khalsa FC. The stadium holds 3,900 people. It is taken over by the Singapore Sports Council on 30 November 1973 and opened to the public on 1 March 1974.
Kick-off
March 17, 2015: 5:00 pm – India (IST)
Possible Starting line ups
East Bengal (4-4-2): Abhijeet Mondol; Deepak Mondal, Milan Susak, Raju Gaikwad, Robert Lalthlamuana; Mama, Mehtab Hossain, Joachim Abranches, Mohammad Rafique; Ranti Martins, Dudu Omagbemi
A possible change in the formation is almost certain under the new coach Eelco Schattorie, who prefers to field his team in a 4-4-2 diamond formation. Raju Gaikwad is expected to start in the first XI alongside Milan Susak in the central defence. Eelco will field Mohammad Rafique in the number 10 position behind the Nigerian striking duo of Ranti Martins and Dudu Omagbemi.
Balestier Khalsa (4-4-2): Nizam; Yusop, Lotinac, Cerina, Loon; Zulkiffli Hassim, Xu, Ang, Poh Yifeng; Fadhil, Kristic
Key Battles
Miroslav Kristic vs Milan Susak
Balestier Khalsa’s Croatian striker Miroslav Kristic is the target man upfront for the home team. He has scored several goals for the club this season, and all eyes will be on Kristic to score in tomorrow’s game too. Milan Susak has to keep an eye on this forward.
Ranti Martins vs Emir Lotinac
The Nigerian goal machine is in sublime form at the present moment. He is scoring in almost each and every game East Bengal play. Eelco Schattorie will desperately want his main striker to maintain his impeccable form in this crucial away match too.
Prediction
Balestier Khalsa 0-1 East Bengal