Shillong Lajong take on high-flying DSK Shivajians at home in Round 8

The hosts are flying high after winning four games on the trot...

Shillong Lajong FC would need something special to beat exciting performers DSK Shivajians, a team which held defending champions Bengaluru FC 2-2 in the last round. 

Thangboi Singto would need to look deep into his squad to stop the always-improving DSK Shivajians and would like his targetman Dipanda Dicka to repeat his tricks one more time to get them to victory on the home turf. 

Dave Rogers have rallied his side around and they've produced laudable performances one after the other, being the better team against Bengaluru FC in the last game.

Team News

The home side is coming after a 2-0 victory at home against Churchill Brothers in the last game. The team was led brilliantly by a second half brace from Cameroonian striker Aser Dipanda Dicka, a player who has been in fine form this season. Vishal Kaith had also made critical saves in the last game to run away with the man-of-the-match award. The team has no injury issues.

The visitors displayed a brilliant attacking intent against defending champions Bengaluru FC in the last game which ended 2-2, Bengaluru having to fight back from 2-0. Manager Dave Rogers would like his side to be more clinical and dominating against the Reds, and would hope his young side can take the three points after the game. DSK, too, have no major injury or suspension issues. 

COACHES CORNER

Thangboi Singto (Shillong Lajong FC): 

“We aim to do well and get full points tomorrow, but Shivajians have done quite well. Their Indian players, like goalkeeper Subrata Paul and attacker Holicharan Narzary, have played at the highest level. They are one of the strongest teams in the league. We need to keep this winning spree going. We have done well and our target tomorrow is to do even better. We’ve played as a team and if you look at our bench strength, we’re also strong there."

Dave Rogers (DSK Shivajians Manager) : "We have outplayed every team we have played in the league so far, apart from the first sixty minutes against Aizawl FC, but have been a little unlucky at times and a few lapses of concentration which has cost us very late on in games. However, our strategy remains the same as always - to go and try to win each football match always on the front foot."

Head-To-Head

Both teams have shared the spoils in the two encounters they've played against each other, the games ending 1-1.  

Man-To-Watch 

Shillong Lajong FC: Dipanda Dicka: The striker has been in scintillating form for Shillong Lajong FC. The Cameroonian has scored 6 goals for the Reds and coach Thanboi Singto will be expecting his striker to fire once again. Dicka has shown exceptional presence in the box with confident link-up play to involve his other attacking team-mates into the game.

DSK Shivajians: Juan Quero: The diminutive holds the key for Dave Rogers' side. Lining up beside the never-tiring Milan Singh, Juan Quero has held the strings for the Shivajians going forward. It will be interesting to see how Quero is used against the Reds who have made the JLN Stadium their fort.

Probable Lineups

Shillong Lajong FC: Kaith (GK), Tamang, Pritam, Chinglesana Singh, Samuel Shadap, Nongrum, Kinowaki, Vanmalsawma, Lalmuanpuia, Tlang, Dipanka

DSK Shivajians: Subrata Paul (GK), Nirmal Chhetri, Sasha, Gourmangi Singh, Jerry Lalrinzuala, Shane McFaul, Milan Singh, Sumeet Passi, Juan Quero, Holicharan Narzary, Mawihmingthanga

Broadcast

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The game will be telecast live on Ten Sports on 11th February. The game will start at 04.35 PM and you can catch all the action live on KhelNow.com.