Aizawl host Shillong in first Northeast Derby of the season

The hosts look to continue fine start while Lagjong seek first points...

The first encounter between the two northeastern sides in the I-League 2017 will be take place at Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl between hosts Aizawl FC and Shillong Lajong on Tuesday.

The hosts come into this game on the back of a superb performance against Minerva Punjab where they sealed a narrow 1-0 win.

On the other hand, the Shillong side are yet to open their account after two consecutive losses.

Team News

Capitalizing on a own-goal from Minerva Punjab FC in the last match, the hosts Aizawl FC are at their best at the moment. Coach Khalid Jamil will be hoping that his team continues to build on this performance and become more clinical in front of goal. They have no injury concerns from their previous outing.

Opponents Shillong Lajong on the other hand are at the bottom of the league table with two consecutive defeats and are desperate for a win. Manager Thangboi Singto also has a fully fit squad to choose from.

Head to Head

The teams Aizawl and Shillong last met on 12/08/2016 at Aizawl in a friendly match, in which both the teams settled for a 2-2 draw. In the I-league so far, both the teams have met each other twice, in which Shillong managed a win in the home match, while the match played at Aizawl ended in a goalless draw.

Man to Watch

Mahmoud Al Amnah-Aizawl FC: The Syrian midfielder was awarded the Man of the Match for his outstanding performance in the win against Minerva. Amnah was the driving force for his team in the middle of the park with his creativity and provided many chances for the frontline. His delivery from set-pieces is also excellent making him a key cog in the Aizawl machine. The midfielder will be looking to continue his good form against the regional rivals.

Aiborlang Khongjee-Shillong Lajong: Hailing from Meghalaya, Aiborlang Khongjee, fondly known as 'Aibor', has loved football ever since his childhood days. He got his first major break in the U-17 Subroto Cup for his school. His excellent performance invited him a place in the SAI football programme. After joining SAI, he was able to secure a move to Shillong Lajong at the age of 18. He is very good at bringing the ball out of the back and supporting the attack from the wide areas. Aibor is a fine example of the increase in the tactical intelligence of Indian players The right-back also enjoyed a fine season with Mumbai City FC in the Indian Super League.

If Lajong have to make a mark in this year's I league, Khongjee’s role will be vital and worth watching.

Probable Line-ups

Aizawl FC

Albino,Ralte,Kingsley,Lalruatthara,Lalrinzuala,Asutosh,Mehta,Jayesh,Amnah,Brandon,Bayl, Alfred.

Shillong Lajong FC: Kaith (GK), N. Tamang, C.Konsham, Khongjee, Pena, Dicka, Chhakchhuak, S. Pritam Singh, Kinowaki, Bipon Singh, Ignat (C).

Broadcast.

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The match will be telecast live on Ten2 from 01:30pm IST. You can otherwise follow Khel Now’s live commentary as we include updates, videos of goals and each and every significant moment of the league.