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I-League Preview: Shillong Lajong - Pune FC
Lajong need a win...
20-Mar-2010 12:02:00 AM
By Atishay Agarwal
Two I-League debutants lock horns in Shillong on Saturday, as Shillong Lajong and their 30,000 fans await a Pune FC side who have done well for themselves in 2010.
Desperate Times...
It's been a fall from grace for the northeast outfit, as the high of reaching the Federation Cup final has been clouded pretty soon by the team's woeful run in the league. In fact, in their last twelve league encounters, Stanley Rosario's men have won only one match, against East Bengal earlier this month.
Their problems in attack are well-documented, and Daniel Bedemi, who played at center back earlier in the season, is playing a more attacking role now. Their win against East Bengal would have boosted hopes, but they still lie in 13th position, in one of the two relegation spots, four points behind Air India.
Pune will be coming to Shillong looking for nothing but a win, which will mean that the game is more open, and will be entertaining to watch for the spectators. Goals can be expected, although the pitch might play spoilsport.
Need To Score...
After a whirlwind beginning to 2010, Pune FC came crashing back to earth with a very unlike 1-0 defeat to Air India. Considering Pune's performances over the course of the season, it's rather strange that while they've managed to hold their own and even beat some big sides, they've lost both their games against Air India, who are fighting for survival.
That said, one defeat doesn't change much for Derrick Pereira, who will not be hitting the panic button so soon. The 3-5-2 formation has been working for Pereira, although the fact that his side hasn't scored in their last two games will be just a tad worrying.
Arata hasn't been showing the blistering form that made him Goal.com's Player of the Month in January, while Douhou and Edmar will have to create more openings up front. An unhelpful pitch might cause problems going forward, but Pune do have enough power and flair in midfield and attack to score against Lajong, who are suspect at the back.
Form Guide
Shillong Lajong
Mar 14: Shillong Lajong 0-0 Sporting Clube de Goa
Mar 6: Shillong Lajong 1-0 East Bengal
Mar 3: Shillong Lajong 0-1 JCT
Pune FC
Mar 14: Air India 1-0 Pune FC
Mar 10: Mohun Bagan 0-0 Pune FC
Mar 2: East Bengal 1-2 Pune FC
Team News
Shillong Lajong
The good news is that Tuboi is back to his full fitness along with Anil Gurung. Gumpe Rime is expected to start in the absence of Lalthuammawia who is suspended.
Pune FC
For the visitors, Selwyn Fernandes is missing due to double booking while Othallo Tabia is still nursing an injury.
Players To Watch
Shillong Lajong - Daniel Bedemi
The Nigerian has proven to be vital to Shillong Lajong throughout the season, and will be so again, as he's one of the few physically strong players in their side, and can match Pune in the middle of the park. Wherever he plays, Shillong will rely heavily on him.
Pune FC - Edmar Figueira
The Brazilian, ever since the second phase of the league began, has been in superb touch, but hasn't turned up in the last two games. He will be looking to find that midas touch in front of goal again, especially against a defence that can leak goals at times.
Key Areas
The key to the game will probably lie in how Lajong defend. At times, they can be organized and committed at the back, while in other games, they simply lose the plot. Pune will be hard to break down, and will dominate midfield, so one can expect them to create chances. An away win looks the order of the day, but with a little luck, Lajong could get something out of the game.
Desperate Times...
It's been a fall from grace for the northeast outfit, as the high of reaching the Federation Cup final has been clouded pretty soon by the team's woeful run in the league. In fact, in their last twelve league encounters, Stanley Rosario's men have won only one match, against East Bengal earlier this month.
Their problems in attack are well-documented, and Daniel Bedemi, who played at center back earlier in the season, is playing a more attacking role now. Their win against East Bengal would have boosted hopes, but they still lie in 13th position, in one of the two relegation spots, four points behind Air India.
Pune will be coming to Shillong looking for nothing but a win, which will mean that the game is more open, and will be entertaining to watch for the spectators. Goals can be expected, although the pitch might play spoilsport.
Need To Score...
After a whirlwind beginning to 2010, Pune FC came crashing back to earth with a very unlike 1-0 defeat to Air India. Considering Pune's performances over the course of the season, it's rather strange that while they've managed to hold their own and even beat some big sides, they've lost both their games against Air India, who are fighting for survival.
That said, one defeat doesn't change much for Derrick Pereira, who will not be hitting the panic button so soon. The 3-5-2 formation has been working for Pereira, although the fact that his side hasn't scored in their last two games will be just a tad worrying.
Arata hasn't been showing the blistering form that made him Goal.com's Player of the Month in January, while Douhou and Edmar will have to create more openings up front. An unhelpful pitch might cause problems going forward, but Pune do have enough power and flair in midfield and attack to score against Lajong, who are suspect at the back.
Form Guide
Shillong Lajong
Mar 14: Shillong Lajong 0-0 Sporting Clube de Goa
Mar 6: Shillong Lajong 1-0 East Bengal
Mar 3: Shillong Lajong 0-1 JCT
Pune FC
Mar 14: Air India 1-0 Pune FC
Mar 10: Mohun Bagan 0-0 Pune FC
Mar 2: East Bengal 1-2 Pune FC
Team News
Shillong Lajong
The good news is that Tuboi is back to his full fitness along with Anil Gurung. Gumpe Rime is expected to start in the absence of Lalthuammawia who is suspended.
Pune FC
For the visitors, Selwyn Fernandes is missing due to double booking while Othallo Tabia is still nursing an injury.
Players To Watch
Shillong Lajong - Daniel Bedemi
The Nigerian has proven to be vital to Shillong Lajong throughout the season, and will be so again, as he's one of the few physically strong players in their side, and can match Pune in the middle of the park. Wherever he plays, Shillong will rely heavily on him.
Pune FC - Edmar Figueira
The Brazilian, ever since the second phase of the league began, has been in superb touch, but hasn't turned up in the last two games. He will be looking to find that midas touch in front of goal again, especially against a defence that can leak goals at times.
Key Areas
The key to the game will probably lie in how Lajong defend. At times, they can be organized and committed at the back, while in other games, they simply lose the plot. Pune will be hard to break down, and will dominate midfield, so one can expect them to create chances. An away win looks the order of the day, but with a little luck, Lajong could get something out of the game.
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