Rangdajied face Mohun Bagan, Lajong take on Bengaluru
SHILLONG: The two teams from Shillong in this season’s I-League will take on formidable opponents in crucial away matches on Sunday.
While Shillong Lajong FC will go up against new team and surprise package Bengaluru FC, bottom-placed Rangdajied United FC will have to take on the legendary Mohun Bagan in Kolkata.
Newbies Bengaluru are one of three teams tied on 18 points, but are placed third in the standings on goal difference and head-to-head results, according to the official I-League website.
The Reds, on the other hand are in sixth place with 14 points.
Bengaluru’s strikers have not been as impressive as they were at the start of the season, but they will still be a challenging obstacle for Lajong.
Sean Rooney and Robin Singh will be looking to fire on all cylinders for the hosts to gain vital three points.
Sunil Chhetri, who was in his element in the 2-1 win over Salgaocar in their last match, will like to lead the team from the front along with Rooney.
A familiar face for some of the Lajong contingent will be John Menyongar, who used to play for SLFC.
Shillong Lajong, who are on an unbeaten run of six games, have played just two away matches this season, but have won both of them, which will be a big boost to the club.
They will continue to miss the services of Jibon Singh, who will be serving the second of his two-match suspension for picking up a red card earlier against Mohun Bagan.
SLFC coach Thangboi Singto recognised what a big game it is likely to be.
“It is a very important game to stay in the top half. BFC is a good team. We have to be at our best to beat them,” Singto said according to a team press release.
He added that team morale is high and the players will give their 100 percent.
Meanwhile, Rangdajied are still searching for their first win of their maiden I-League season. They have five points courtesy five drawn matches, including their last fixture against Mumbai FC in Pune recently, which ended 1-1.
Although yet another draw, that match gave RUFC their first away point and first ever goal outside Shillong.
For the Blues, Subrata Paul will once again guard the goal, aided in central defence by the experience of Gouramangi Singh and Lamine Tamba.
Thomas Saikhom and Yohei Iwasaki, who have been doing very well, will feature on either side of the backline. Their defensive skills will be crucial, as Rangdajied have been guilty of conceding goals after taking the lead in their last three matches.
RUFC might also fancy their chances as Bagan have not won any of their last five games, including two at home.
The Mariners, despite being a renowned club, have just two wins from 10 games and a total of 11 points, which leaves them in 10th place in the standings.
Two other big games are scheduled for Sunday – table-toppers Pune FC will host United SC and second-placed Salgaocar take on Sporting Clube de Goa. (with agency inputs)