Khalid Jamil has his back to the wall and he must win against Shillong Lajong to gain some much-needed breathing space after his side’s loss in the Kolkata derby. On the contrary, Bobby Nogbet’s men have got off to a flying start this season as they remain unbeaten after their first two matches.
TV CHANNELS & LIVE STREAM
The Star Sports Network has the exclusive broadcasting rights of the I-League. All the matches will be telecasted Live on Star Sports 2 and HD.
EAST BENGAL:
Injured: NoneDoubtful - NoneKey Players - Katsumi Yusa, Mahmoud Al Amnah.
SHILLONG LAJONG
Injured: NoneDoubtful: NoneKey Players: Redeem Tlang, Alan Deory
GAME PREVIEW
East Bengal have looked far from their best in their first two matches and after losing to Mohun Bagan in the Kolkata Derby, this match has become a must-win game for Khalid Jamil and his boys. Jamil has been on the receiving end of relentless criticism from both fans and former players because of his tactics and team selection. The Kolkata Maidan pressure seems to have crept into Jamil and three points against Lajong will be a big relief.
Trinidadian striker Willis Plaza has missed plenty of chances in the first two games and the club officials have seemingly lost their patience with him. Rumours abound that unless he picks up his form, East Bengal might just release him. Former Mohun Bagan striker Darryl Duffy and Chidi Edeh are already being touted as his potential replacements.
Midfield dynamo Al Amnah must inject some creative impetus and try to thread some passes for Plaza upfront. Katsumi Yusa started in fine fettle against Aizawl FC in the opening game but could not carry that tempo against Mohun Bagan. His darting runs down the right and his inch-perfect crosses were missing in the derby.
The Reds, on the other hand, have bagged all six points from their first two games and will look to continue their winning streak when they come down to Kolkata. Redeem Tlang and Alen Deory have combined pretty well in the flanks while Odafin is the rock in midfield, winning balls at the centre of the park and then initiating attacks.
Samuel Lalmuanpuia is the set-piece specialist and his deliveries into the six-yard box have been lethal. On the other hand, East Bengal have conceded all three goals from set-pieces. East Bengal should try to be more defensively organized during dead ball situations, as Lajong poses a potent threat in the air.
Can the men from Shillong continue their juggernaut on the plains as well or will the Red and Gold brigade stage a fight back and silence all critics? We’ll find out on Saturday.
