I-League Round 13: Shillong Lajong FC vs Salgaocar FC

EMN
Dimapur, December 5

Shillong Lajong FC will take on Salgaocar FC in the 13th round of matches in the I-League on 6th, December 2013 at the J.N.Stadium, Shillong at 5:00pm. Shillong Lajong FC are going into tomorrow’s game against the Goan side with a couple of draws and a loss away to table topers Bengaluru FC. Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said,” We have put the Bangalore match behind us. We have not done well at home but we will look for a good result tomorrow.”
Shillong Lajong FC are facing a pressurizing statistic as they have never won against Salgaocar FC in the past but based on their performances this season and their vociferous supporters they might just end their jinx. There are some concerns for Lajong as fiery striker Uilliams Souza Silva’s availability will be assessed tomorrow. Uilliams only played one half against Bengaluru FC in their previous game away from home and has been carrying a minor injury since.
Salgaocar FC are not riding in their best momentum as well with two consecutive defeats to Bengaluru FC and their local Goan rivals Sporting Club de Goa. Disciplinary actions also added to their woes as the All India Football Federation (AIFF) decided to dock 6 points out of Salgaocar FC’s kitty.
This action was taken when the Goan side fielded Mathew Foschini and Fulgancio Cardozo, who were not eligible to participate in the ties against Bengaluru FC and Pune FC as necessary player registration formalities hadn’t been cleared in total. Commenting on the situation Derrick Perreira said, “There is no pressure and we have been in this type of a situation before.”
Their backline was also questioned in the previous game against Sporting Club de Goa and Perreira added,” There are problems at the back and there will obviously be a change in defense.”
Meanwhile, French striker Claude Gnakpa has been released by the club. It may be noted that Gnakpa performed particularly well in their previous visit to Shillong as he grabbed a goal that helped his side draw against Rangdajied United FC. Perreira said,” His performance was hampered by injury earlier in the season and so was released as he did not fall into my scheme of play”.
The Reds have 14 points from 11 games and will look to topple United SC in 5th place. Salgaocar FC on the other hand will look to resume their fight for the title as a win would put added pressure on league leaders Bengaluru FC.