Durand Cup 2022 Preview: Neroca FC, Chennaiyin FC clash in must-win game

Both teams are still in contention for the second knockouts berth from Group C.

After winning, losing and playing out a draw each in their first three Durand Cup 2022 group stage fixtures, Chennaiyin FC will look to seal their place in the knockouts come Monday. Chennaiyin FC will face Neroca FC who are also in contention for the knockouts.

It is a must-win game for either side as the winner will advance to the next stage of the competition. However, a draw will mean Chennaiyin FC will go through to the next stage. The Group C clash will take place at the Khuman Lampak Stadium in Imphal on September 5. On that note, let us take a look at the preview ahead of this fixture.

The Stakes

The two-time ISL champions will want to get nothing less than three points against the home side. It’s going to be a do-or-die match for the Marina Machans and a victory would secure them a place in the knockouts while any slip-ups could lead to their exit.

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They come into this game on the back of a highly motivating 1-4 win against TRAU FC. Chennaiyin FC do have a slight advantage, thanks to their better goal difference, but still need to be on their toes.

Neroca, on the other hand, find themselves in a much similar position as their opponents. They’re currently drawn on points with Chennaiyin FC, but are placed below them on the table as the former boasts a better goal difference. It’s going to be a fight for pride as well as to secure a place in the knockouts of the Durand Cup for Neroca in front of their fans. 

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Team News

Both teams will have a fully fit squad for the encounter on Monday.

Probable Starting-XI

Neroca FC: Soram Poirei (GK); James Singh, Lallengmang Sitlhou, Remi Aimol, David Simbo; Tondomba Singh (C), Bektur, Thomyo L Shimray, Vicky; John Chidi, Thiago Santos.

Chennaiyin FC: Debjit Majumder (GK); Ajith Kumar, Fallou Diagne, Narayan Das, Akash Sangwan; Julius Duker, Edwin Vanspaul, Jockson Dhas, Anirudh Thapa; Jiteshwor Singh, Peter Sliskovic.

Men to watch

Thomyo Shimray (Neroca FC)

Neroca’s latest recruit announced his arrival in style after scoring a marvellous header in the derby triumph over TRAU FC. Shimray has the ability to take on defenders with his out-of-the-world dribbling skills and pace. He is good at putting quality balls into the box and is a beast on the right wing.

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Petar Sliskovic (Chennaiyin FC)

The former Croatia U-21 international was phenomenal in Chennaiyin FC’s 1-4 triumph over TRAU a few days back. The 31-year-old netted two past TRAU FC and helped his side get their first three points on the board. Sliskovic will be high on confidence and will want to continue the same momentum going into the clash against Neroca FC.

Did you know?

This will be the first fixture between the two sides.

Telecast

The game between Neroca FC and Chennaiyin FC will take place at the Khuman Lampak Stadium, Imphal. The time of the match will be a 6PM kickoff. The Durand Cup 2022 will be broadcasted on the Sports18 network. It will be shown on Sports 18 1 SD & HD as well as Sports 18 Khel (Hindi commentary). It will also be available to stream on Voot and Jio TV.

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