Shillong Lajong hosts powerhouse Mohun Bagan as Bengal side hopes to top the table

April 12, 2017:In a much anticipated showdown, Shillong Lajong will host mighty Mohun Bagan later today at 4:30 pm. The Bengal side who have been in great form will hope to overtake Aizawl FC and top the table. The Bengal side has 29 points from 14 games while Aizawl have 30 from 15. Fresh from their 2-1 win against rivals Kingfisher East Bengal, Mohun Bagan will hope to continue their streak. The Bengal side has been in good scoring form having scored 23 goals so far, although Shillong Lajong are also not far off having scored 21 goals so far in the season, but what separates the sides is the defence. Mohun Bagan has conceded just 9 goals while Shillong Lajong have doubled that having let in 18 goals.

The Bengal side have the best defence in the league and it will be a task for the Shillong side, however Shillong Lajong has shown their gritty and never say die attitude which was evident in their last game against Pune side DSK Shivajians. The thrilling game needed an injury time goal by Redeem Tlang in the dying minutes of the match. The crucial goal gave Lajong the much needed 3 points as the match ended 2-3.

It has been a great I-League season and as we approach the end, there is no sure way to predict who will lift the title. Aizawl fans are on the edge of the seats hoping that Aizawl FC will keep the pressure and pray their Northeast counterparts Shillong Lajong will do them a favour by beating Mohun Bagan. Sony Norde has been brilliant for the Bengal side this season and his performance against East Bengal shows what a threat he is. The Lajong defence will have to find a way to contain him. They have so far excessively relied on their young goal scorers finishing prowess which has been great this season, however their defence must improve to successfully thwart attacks. As fans throng to watch the much anticipated match, the home side will also have a roaring crowd who have filled the stadium every time Lajong play at home.

-By Jessica Passah for TNT-the Northeast Today

The writer can be contacted at jessica.passah.2@gmail.com

Featured Image Courtesy: Shillong Lajong Football Club (SLFC) Facebook Page