KALYANI: Backed by the confidence of remaining
undefeated in their last four outings, a rejuvenated Shillong Lajong FC will
take on the might of one of the best improvers in the I-League – Prayag United
SC – in the penultimate round (25th) of the country’s premier club competition,
in Kalyani Stadium, on Friday (April 19).
“The match is crucial to us as technically we are yet to
be safe from relegation fears. With two more rounds to go we would like to pick
up as many points as possible,” says Thangboi Singto, under whom the
Shillong-based side has made a remarkable turnaround.
“Prayag are a strong side with a few good in-form
foreigners. We have to be more watchful and our players need give their best to
maintain the momentum we have gained over the last few rounds,” Singto said.
Lajong FC staved off a series of bad results and stunned traditionally strong
sides like Mohun Bagan, Pune FC and Mumbai FC to pick up six points from a win
and three well-earned draws.
“We do not have any major injury problems and have the best
selection available to us. This will give us some benefit in meeting our
objective,” the Lajong FC coach said. The North-East giants have 25 points from
24 matches and are placed 10th in the standings. A good result will give them
all the reasons to feel safe in the tournament.
Prayag United have some injury worries with their ace
game-maker and Costa Rican World Cupper Carlos Hernandes uncertain with
hamstring problem. The team may also miss goalkeeper Sangram Mukherjee, who is
recovering from a surgery. “We would definitely like to continue the
improvement and finish at a better position. A win would give us the points to
do that,” said Eelco Schattorie, the Prayag United coach.
The Kolkata-based team is currently in the fourth spot
with 38 points from 24 matches. “Our opponents have shown lot of improvement in
the last few matches. They are a talented side and have the potential to
surprise anyone in the tournament. We have to be cautious and play to the best
of our ability to make a match out of it,” Schattorie said.
The AIFF
The AIFF
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