I-League: East Bengal host Shillong Lajong in an interesting encounter
East Bengal Club will play host to Shillong Lajong FC in an assured tight contest in the fourth round of the I-League 2014/15 at the Saltlake Stadium in Kolkata on Sunday at 4:30pm.
In the previous match, the Reds had a disappointing away result losing 2-5 to Pune FC on Thursday. With three games already played, the Reds are yet to show the stability and confidence they had last season. The young team has displayed brave performances but are lacking the experience so far.
However, Thangboi Singto and his troops will need to put the past behind them and focus on their second major away fixture on Sunday. Lajong undeniably have the potential to better their position in the league on condition they make the most of their chances and not waste any opportunities.
Very important three points: Singto
Thangboi Singto stated, "It is immensely important that we get the three points tomorrow. East Bengal is a very strong side and we need to play well to get positive results. We need to attack and defend as a team."
Sadly enough, Minchol Son will still be missing tomorrow's match.
Meanwhile East Bengal is coming into the tie after a 1-0 win over defending champions Bengaluru FC. Abhinash Ruidas was the star for East Bengal as he scored the only goal of the match. Beyond question, East Bengal is a daunting side with top premium experienced players in Armando Colaco's squad.
Assuredly, Coach Armando Colaco will be riding his hopes on Ranty Martins Soleye, Baljit Singh Sahni and Leo Bertos to pull the victory for his side. Dudu Omagbemi, Shylo Malswamtulunga and Lalrindika Ralte were not available in the previous match due to injuries and may play a part in tomorrow's game.
Shillong Lajong FC however have a better head to head record against the Kolkata outfit; with Lajong earning two victories over East Bengal's one victory in the last five encounters. The last time these two teams took on each other was on March 14, 2014 and the tie ended in a goalless stalemate in Kolkata.
Come Sunday, Lajong will look to win its first away fixture and although the contest promises to be not an easy one, it will be a tight battle between the "Experienced East Bengal over the Young Guns of the North East".