High-flying Mohun Bagan look to continue winning momentum against Shillong Lajong FC

The visitors will look for an improved performance after being thumped by reigning champions Bengaluru FC..

After a winning start to their I-League campaign this season, Kolkata giants Mohun Bagan are keen to keep up the momentum with another home win over Shillong Lajong FC at Rabindra Sarobar Stadium on Friday. Lajong on the other hand, were thrashed against defending champions Bengaluru FC in their opening fixture and are seeking a return to winning ways.

The Mariners are currently in  second place in the I-League standings, following the defending champions Bengaluru FC. However, according to Bagan head coach Sanjoy Sen Lajong is not a team to be taken lightly.

Team News

Mohun Bagan are set to miss defender duo Subhasish Bose and Eduardo Ferreira against Shillong Lajong in their second match of the season. Bose, who was shown two yellow cards in the previous match against Churchill Brothers will be serving a ban against Lajong whereas Brazilian defender Eduardo is currently sick with a mild fever. Darryl Duffy also missed training today with a fever, while Haitian Sony Norde only labded back in the country in the wee hours and is said to be lacking match fitness.

Lajong will be at full strength with no fresh injuries from their match against Bengaluru.

Head to Head

The two teams have played against each other in 19 matches till date.  Out of these 19, Mohun Bagan have won eight matches compared to Lajong’s three wins over the Kolkata giants. The remaining eight matches ended as a draw.

Man to Watch

Pritam Kotal-Mohun Bagan: The Mariners’ defender delivered a majestic performance in the previous match against Churchill Brothers and is expected to continue his run of form. The 23-year-old started as a right-back against Churchill. Kotal nullified Churchill’s forwards Clofford Miranda and Brandon Fernandes on several occasions as well as overlapping to the opponent’s half to play long balls and crosses to Bagan strikers Balwant Singh and Darryl Duffy. The young defender performed his duties for a modern full-back perfectly as one of his crosses was received and netted by Bagan forward Balwant Singh which later helped the Mariners win three points.

Fabio Pena Shillong Lajong FC: The Brazilian forward could not make an impact against Bengaluru FC in their opening match of the season. Since the defeat against the star-studded Blues, Pena is starting to get his feet back in the training sessions and could become a threat to Mohun Bagan's defensive line-up in the next match.

Probable Line-ups

Mohun Bagan AC-(4-4-2): Debjit, Kotal, Anas, Kingshuk, Ghosh, Katsumi, Sehnaj, Robinson, Lewis, Jeje, Balwant.

Shillong Lajong FC (4-2-3-1): Kaith, Tamang, Konsham, Pena, Nongbri, Chhakchhuak, Tlang, Pritam Singh, Kinowaki, Bipin Singh, Ignat.

Broadcast

The game will broadcast live on Ten 2 at 07:00 pm IST. You can also follow live commentary of the game on khelnow.com.

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