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Mohun Bagan take on Shillong Lajong on Thursday evening as the two sides play their fourth round of fixtures in the I-League 2017-18. The home side will be back at the Vivekananda Yuvabharati Krirangan (Salt Lake Stadium) after playing two matches at the Barasat District Sports Stadium.
The Kolkata giants will be hoping to continue their momentum as they have been on a two-game winning streak after drawing their first match against league leaders Minerva Punjab FC in Ludhiana. After the disappointing start, the Green and Maroon brigade bounced back in grand fashion winning the prestigious Kolkata Derby 1-0 and completely outclassing Goan side Churchill Brothers with a massive 5-0 scoreline.
The win was a bitter-sweet affair for Sanjoy Sen's side as five players of Bagan suffered injuries during the course of the match. Japanese midfielder Yuta Kinowaki dislocated his collarbone and has been ruled out for three months. Star winger Sony Norde, strikers Asier Dipanda Dicka and Ansumana Kromah and Arijit Bagui were the other players to add to the injury list for Mohun Bagan.
Shillong Lajong, who lie just one spot below their opponents tomorrow in the third place of the standings, were dealt a major blow as they lost their previous fixture in a 5-1 crushing defeat against East Bengal FC. The Reds began their season with two consecutive wins over newcomers Gokulam FC (1-0) and Churchill Brothers FC Goa (2-0) propelling them to the top half of the table. The East Bengal loss could prove to be a morale crusher for the Northeast side but coach Bobby Nongbet will hope his side can recover quickly and brush off the loss as a one-off blunder.
Mohun Bagan
Sanjoy Sen is confident that his side can carry on their winning run despite the change of venues from Barasat to Salt Lake.
The Bagan side will likely remain unchanged in the defense with Kingsley Eze and Kinshuk Debnath manning the centre, Ricky and Gurjinder as support on the wings and Shilton Paul between the sticks.
Yuta Kinowaki's absence will prompt Sen to go with former Mumbai FC man Shilton D'Silva alongside Raynier Fernandes and Faiaz Khan on the wings. Sony Norde is doubtful to start tomorrow's game having missed the practice session before the game which will likely see Nikhil Kadam starting on the wings in place of the Haitian star. Though Kromah and Dicka both sustained injuries, both have chances of starting tomorrow and will make up the attack.
Mohun Bagan Probable Starting XI (4-4-2): Shilton; Gurjinder, Kingsley, Kinshuk, Ricky; Faiaz Khan, Shilton D’ Silva, Raynier Fernandes; Nikhil Kadam; Ansumana Kromah, Aiser Dipanda Dicka
Shillong Lajong
Shillong Lajong coach Bobby Nongbet will be counting on his side to overcome the humiliating defeat against East Bengal quickly. The Reds have stayed back in Kolkata after the previous fixture and prepared to take on the other Kolkata giant in consecutive fixtures.
The Northeast Indian side is dealing with just a single injury of Ivorian Abdoulaye Koffi and will welcome Yemeni midfielder Aiman Al-Hagri who will likely be slotted into the starting lineup.
The Lajong defense will be led by the Liberian Laurence Doe along with Oh Joo-Ho with Novin Gurung and Rakesh Pradhan. They will have a crucial role to play in the daunting task of keeping the Bagan attack at bay. The midfield will see the returning Al-Hagri paired with industrious midfielder Odafin. Skipper Samuel Lalmuanpuia will lead the attack backed by three midfielders behind him - Redeem Tlang, Alen Deory, and Hardy Cliff Nongbri.
Shillong Lajong Probable Starting XI (4-2-3-1): Lachenpa; Pradhan, Laurence Doe, Joo-Ho, Gurung; Odafin, Al-Hagri, Tlang, Deory, Nongbri; Samuel Lalmuanpuia
Prediction:
Mohun Bagan 3 - 1 Shillong Lajong
Mohun Bagan have been on scintillating form and despite Sony Norde's absence, still, possess enough attacking threats to cause troubles to the Shillong Lajong side. The Reds also are a fighting side and could grab a goal for their undying spirit.
