Shillong Lajong vs East Bengal FC Preview, predicted lineup, injury news, H2H, telecast details| Durand Cup 2024

Shillong Lajong will surely put a tough test for the Red & Gold Brigade.

East Bengal are hoping to move forward to the 2024 Durand Cup semi-finals when they face old I-League foes Shillong Lajong in the quarter-final on Wednesday 21 August, at 7 pm at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong. Both teams had impressive outings in the group stages, with the Red & Gold Brigade hoping to show off their squad strength with a dominant performance in the knockout rounds.

The Stakes

East Bengal

The Kolkata heavyweights have been in impressive form in the Durand Cup and won both games comfortably. But they’re coming off a gutting loss in their AFC Champions League Two preliminary qualifier and will hope to use this game as an ideal bounce-back option. Carles Cuadrat will urge his side to show their attacking strength by playing some fast-paced, incisive attacking football and putting their opponents under intense pressure.

East Bengal will be gunning for a big win that can act as a statement of intent and also prove their ability to win the Durand Cup this year. But a loss to an I-League side can be embarrassing and cause a few questions about the team’s capabilities before the 2024-25 Indian Super League (ISL) campaign.

Shillong Lajong

In their return to the Durand Cup, Shillong Lajong have raised many eyebrows as the surprise package of the tournament. They topped a group containing FC Goa, even holding the Gaurs to a courageous draw to make their way to the knockout rounds. Lajong have proven that they can compete against ISL opposition and will look to maintain their good form in the knockout rounds.

They will be more energized by the home crowd’s support and look to frustrate East Bengal with their sturdy defensive structure and will look to hit them on the breaks or with the set-piece attempts. A loss to an ISL side won’t be the worst thing for Shillong Lajong, but a surprise win can help them carry on their dream Durand Cup run and prove their ability to fight for major championships with this squad.

Injury & Team News

East Bengal will be sweating on the fitness of Nishu Kumar and Mohamad Rakip for this game. The availability of Anwar Ali and Hector Yuste is still up in the air. Damaitphang Lyndoh is suspended for the Reds.

Head-to-Head

Matches Played – 20

East Bengal wins – 8

Shillong Lajong wins – 6

Draws: 6

Predicted Lineups

East Bengal (4-2-3-1)

Prabhsukhan Gill (GK); Provat Lakra, Hijazi Maher, Lalchungnunga, Mark Zothanpuia; Jeakson Singh, Saul Crespo; Madih Talal, PV Vishnu, Nandhakumar Sekar; Dimitrios Diamantakos

Shillong Lajong (4-3-3)

Manas Dubey (GK); Ronney Wilson, Kynsailang Khongsit, Daniel Goncalves, Kenstar Kharshong; Wadajied Ryngkhlem, Hardy Cliff, Hamedamanbha Wahlang; Everbrighton Myliempdah, Marcos Rudwere, Phrangki Buam

Players to Watch

Nandhakumar Sekar (East Bengal)

Nandhakumar Sekar has looked extremely sharp in the early stages of the campaign for East Bengal and was impressive in their recent game against Altyn Asyr. He missed the first two Durand Cup games due to a slight injury scare but is back to full fitness and ready to push East Bengal to Durand Cup success.

Nandha will look to continue being a thorn in the side of defenders with his spirited movement down the left. His tireless manner makes him a big asset for the Red & Gold Brigade, while Sekar is also quite capable of creating big chances with his brilliant delivery.

He’ll look to trouble Shillong’s backline with his movement and get into the best areas in the final third, even aiming to get into more goal-scoring situations to open his account for the campaign.

Phrangki Buam (Shillong Lajong)

Despite being just 23 years old, Shillong Lajong forward Phrangki Buam is one of the more experienced players in their squad. He returned to his youth club last year after forgettable stints at clubs like FC Goa and Mohammedan Sporting but looks more at ease at Shillong. Even though Buam has not scored any goal in the Durand Cup yet, he has looked quite menacing and energized in the frontline.

He’ll be looking to destabilize the East Bengal backline with his sharp movement in the final third and also help link up precise attacking moves. But Buam needs to be at his clinical best and convert whatever chances his teammates can conjure. If he can tap into his ruthless scoring nature, then Buam can be a major problem for East Bengal and spark his side to a special result.

Did you know?

• The last time East Bengal faced Shillong Lajong was in 2019. They picked up a huge 5-0 win over the Reds.
• Shillong Lajong only conceded one goal in the Durand Cup group stages, having the joint second-best defensive record.
• Saul Crespo has had a goal involvement in all three of East Bengal’s competitive matches in the 2024-25 season.

Telecast Details

The Durand Cup 2024 quarter-final between Shillong Lajong and East Bengal will take place at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong on Wednesday (21 August). It kicks off at 7 PM IST. The match will be shown on Sony Ten 2 HD and be available for online streaming on Sony LIV.

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