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Shillong Lajong FC host United SC in the 5th round of the I-League at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Shillong on Saturday at 4:30pm. Both the teams are looking to get back to winning ways, Lajong FC after losing two home games in a row and United SC after a loss and a draw away from home.
During the pre-match press conference held in Shillong on Friday, United SC coach Eelco Schatorrie said that Lajong will be “unpredictable” as they are desperate for their first win at home.
Speaking about his own team, Eelco said, “The squad is not in perfect condition.” They will continue to be without Tapan Maity and Lalkamal Bhowmick who are sidelined with injuries while Mohammad Rafique is away on office team duties plus Schattorie himself will not be in the dugout as he is serving a two match ban but he is hoping for three points.
Meanwhile Shillong Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said, “We are definitely looking for a win and our team will give 100% in the field.” The coach also added that the team has been having problems in “converting the chances” but he is hoping that his side converts those chances in the clash against the Kolkata side. Lajong have less injury problems and will only miss full-back C. Lallawmzuala, who is out with an ankle injury.
In his closing statement, Eelco Schatorrie said that he is happy to be in Shillong and the “temperature is good”. He also said that he looks to entertain the crowd with his team’s football and hopes that the crowd will turn out in great numbers as they usually do.
Rahul D’Souza, who sent him to the stands in the match against Bengaluru FC will be the match official for the game and Schattorie hopes the official “keeps it professional” after his post-match criticism in Bangalore.
United SC is in fourth position in the table with 7 points while Shillong Lajong FC is in eighth position with 4 points. The league is still at an early stage but both teams will be looking to add three points to their kitty and put pressure on the league leaders.
