Lowly Aizawl visit third-placed East Bengal in I-League

A win for the visitors would only strengthen their confidence as a team as they have largely failed to impress all throughout their campaign.

Third-placed Quess East Bengal would be facing former champions Aizawl FC at the VYBK Stadium tomorrow (February 25, 2018), in the I-League. While the Kolkata giants would like to reduce the gap with table-toppers Chennai City FC in their run for the title, Aizawl FC who are currently placed 9th in the points table would aim to bring some consistency to their campaign this season.  The game is scheduled for a 5 PM Kick-Off.

A win for the visitors would only strengthen their confidence as a team as they have largely failed to impress all throughout their campaign. Quess East Bengal who have been in a pristine form this season, however, would be wary about the former champions, whom they had suffered a 2-3 loss against in the first leg in November 2018.

The hosts have showed immense strength in their defence having only conceded 17 goals this season. With the likes of Costa Rican world-cupper Johnny Acosta, Borja Gomez and Chullova in the defence line, it wouldn’t be an easy task for Aizawl FC to breach the deadlock.

Aizawl FC's forward line comprising of Zikahi Dodoz, Kromah and Jaryan can also be equally threatening. Meanwhile, they can draw motivation from their exploits in the first meeting.

East Bengal's Spanish Coach Alejandro Menendez must be given credit for his tactical improvisations in their midfield, where it has been crucial, and should pose difficulty for the opponents. With the likes of Mexican Esqueda and Joby Justin in the forward line, the hosts have a lethal attack force up their sleeves who have been creating trouble for all the opponents this season. Incidentally, Joby is the highest Indian and third highest goal scorer this season with 9 goals to his kitty.  

Alejandro Menendez said, "It is an important match for us. Mostly everything is good with the team till now. Aizwal will impost a tough competition although they are fighting for relegation now. At this moment, the focus is on working hard for the next match and next opponent. The team is focusing on the next match."

"We always work to win and we are looking to win all the three matches which are left. If we practice hard and give our best we can win the title", Menendez sounded confident.

Aizawl FC, on the other hand, would have major defensive worries, having leaked as many as 24 goals in sixteen games so far. They haven't been able to score many as well, managing only 17 goals from 18 games so far.

Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow, Aizawl FC coach Stanley Rozario, "Tomorrow's match is very important because it is a tough match for us. East Bengal is a good team and it is their home match. We are ready for the match. East Bengal is playing for the championship so they will be giving their best."

"Every match is different as every team has its own style which changes according to the game. Football is a game where anything can happen. We will be giving our best to play well tomorrow", Rozario added further.

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Team News

East Bengal

The Red and Gold Brigade do not have any major injury concerns at the moment. 

Aizawl FC

The hosts have three injured players, who are Kareem Omolaja, and Albert Zohmingmawia.

Probable Lineups

East Bengal

Dagar (GK), Acosta, Perez, Esqueda, Antonio, Aidara, Ralte, Lalrindika, Justin, Chullova, Mohammad.

Aizawl FC

Lalawmpuia (GK), Govin, Paul, Dodoz, Isak, Jaryan, Kassaga, Kromah, Mawia, Vanlalthanga, Lalrinchhana.

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Broadcast

The match will kick-off at 5:00 PM (25th February 2019), ar the Salt Lake Stadium. It will be live streamed by Hotstar and Jio TV.