JOIN USBFC look to continue good run
After securing their first home win of the season against newcomers Bharat FC, champions Bengaluru FC will look to build on their new found confidence while taking on a resilient Shillong Lajong in their I-League match here on Saturday.
The Blue Brigade are placed sixth on the table with seven points and are slowly taking steps to the top. The Lajong find themselves in a not-so-comfortable eighth place with a solitary win to their credit. The season, so far, has been nothing less than a roller coaster ride for them. After losing the opening encounter to local rivals Royal Wahingdoh, the North-eastern side edged past Mumbai FC 1-0 the following week to earn their first points. What followed was a merciless drubbing by the hands of Pune FC.
“We had a very rough and patchy start to the season. But, we cannot blame anyone but us for the poor show. The short break after the last game, gave us enough time to introspect and work on areas that needed attention and I believe my team will put up a good show tomorrow,” said Thangboi Singto, the Lajong coach, Lajong have enjoyed a good run against the reigning champions in the past and Singto said his team will look to maintain that.
“We enjoy a good record against Bengaluru. Last season, loss in a close game followed by a convincing win in Shillong. That is something that we will look to build on. It will definitely be a tough game for us and we are prepared for it,” said the 40-year-old Manipuri.
The visitors will expect their star striker Cornell Glen and midfield maestro Penn Orji to trouble a shaky Bengaluru defence that has already conceded four goals in as many games. Robin Gurung will be the only doubtful starter. He is recovering from a muscle injury.
While Lajong will try to turn their fortunes around, a rejuvenated Bengaluru side would hope to continue their good run. The BFC coach, Ashley Westwood, was cautious about taking his opponents lightly and stressed that the Shillong side could not be judge on their recent form.
“They are a really good side with a bunch of quality Indians and foreigners playing for them. I do not think the points table reflect the quality they have. Players coming back from ISL could be a factor for their slump. But they are four games old and I expect the team to do well tomorrow and put up a good fight,” said Westwood.
The Englishman also confirmed that forward Sean Rooney could miss the clash owing to a training ground injury. Udanta Singh is also yet to achieve match fitness after missing a few games due to injures.