SHILLONG: A more confident Shillong Lajong FC will take on Mumbai FC in a sixth round I-League match in Pune on Wednesday.
Although Mumbai are two places ahead of Lajong in the standings after five matches each, the hosts have just one point more (six to five) and are yet to win a home match this season.
Out of four games played on their substitute home turf, Mumbai have drawn three and lost one.
They were outplayed by Salgaocar 3-1 in their last match.
Shillong Lajong are looking to make it two away wins in a row after beating Dempo SC in Goa at the start of the season.
Lajong will have a slight upper hand as they showed great determination and zeal in their previous encounter against United SC at home, in which they drew 1-1.
There were a few positives to take from the game, including Seikhohao Tuboi’s impressive all round performance and Cornell Glen putting his name on the score sheet again after a three-match drought.
SLFC’s chance of winning this fixture will rely on their strike force, which has failed to convert a lot of chances but Thangboi Singto’s men will look for three points as they stare at a chance to enter the top four in the league table.
The whole squad travelling to Pune is fit for selection .
Mumbai FC will be unpredictable as they look to bounce back after the loss to Salgaocar.
Khalid Jamil will look for some sparking attack in his team to break down Lajong’s backline, consisting of captain Minchol Son and his deputy Wailadmi Passah.
They will have the resources of Indian international Climax Lawrence in the heart of their midfield along with the Afghan international Haroon Amiri, who is looking to cement his place in the team.
The match promises to be exciting and filled with quality from both teams as they will both be looking for their first three points after their unimpressive home performances.
Coach Thangboi Singto said, “We have to play as a team and give our best.
“The team has gained confidence and momentum after getting a point against a good team like United SC.”
The Reds drew 1-1 at home in their last match against Kolkata club United SC.
The match can be seen live on Ten Action at 7pm.
In earlier Wednesday matches, Bengaluru FC will host Dempo, while table-toppers Salgaocar will be at Mohun Bagan.