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I-League Preview: Pune FC - Shillong Lajong
The two I-League debutants clash in Pune....
07-Nov-2009 10:00:27 PM
Kickoff: Sunday, November 8, 18:30 IST
Venue: Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
Venue: Balewadi Sports Complex, Pune
I-League newboys Pune FC and Shillong Lajong go head to head on Sunday with only two points and three places separating the two teams.
The Elusive First Win
Pune occupy 11th place in the table after five draws in six games and that would put a bit pressure on them to win this one as they take on fellow I-League debutants Shillong Lajong. The atmosphere at the Balewadi Sports Complex has been one of the best features of this season’s I-League but Derrick Pereira’s team have been unable to make the most of it as they have failed to win any of their four previous home ties.
The presence of India’s number one Subrata Paul in goal has helped the defence which has let in only six goals in as many games. But scoring at the other end remains to be the problem area for Pune as they have only managed to score five which is the worst offensive record in the league along with 13th placed Viva Kerala.
PIO Izumi Arata and former India captain Shanmugham Venkatesh have been the standout performers and the duo need to be at their best to get a good result against the always improving Lajong side. They have shown a lot of promise in all their matches and all they need to do now is convert the draws into wins. If that happens on Sunday, this team can only go from strength to strength.
On Their Travels Again
After three consecutive home games, Lajong are on their travels again, something which they haven’t enjoyed so far as they have let in nine goals in their three away matches with the 1-0 win over Sporting Clube de Goa being the only highlight.
Even though they have failed to win their two last two matches, Lajong have improved defensively and look a much more solid unit than they did on their opening game which they lost 1-5 against JCT. Like their opponents, Lajong have struggled to score goals as they depend heavily on their foreigners on that front but the addition of Nepal international Anil Gurung might solve their problems. While Seikhohao Tuboi will be aiming to round off his fine build up play with some clinical finishing.
Overall, I-League’s only north eastern representative have displayed a lot of endeavor but they need to build up a killer instinct in order to finish at a higher position in the table. Three points in this game would support that cause but considering the fact that both sides are pretty evenly matched, a draw away from home might not be a bad result.
Form Guide
Pune FC:
Nov 1: Pune FC 1-1 Dempo
Oct 28: Churchill Brothers 1-1 Pune FC
Oct 24: Pune FC 1-1 Mumbai FC
Shillong Lajong:
Nov 2: Shillong Lajong 0-0 Salgaocar
Oct 29: Shillong Lajong 1-2 Mohun Bagan
Oct 18: Shillong Lajong 3-0 Air India
Team News
Pune FC:
Brazilian striker Edmar is ruled out due to suspension while key defender Wali Chika has still not recovered from a ligament injury.
Shillong Lajong:
The side from Shilllong has no serious injury concerns and all their players are available for selection.
Players To Watch:
Pune FC – Shanmugham Venkatesh
The former Indian international needs to boss the game from the middle of the park and control the play for his side.
Shillong Lajong – Anil Gurung
Gurung impressed on his debut but couldn’t get on the scoresheet so he would be hoping to score in this game.
Key Areas…
The midfield battle between the two teams will be crucial as both teams have a lot of talent in that department. Also the set pieces will be important as both sides have let in goals from those situations this season.
Amoy Ghoshal
Inside Goal.Com
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