Lajong next

Mohun Bagan is due to meet Shillong Lajong in the next game. Lajong, with 20 points is out of the relegation zone, and have some new recruits that seem to have gone in favour of them in the last match where they hold Pune FC 2-2 in an away match. The last few iLeague matches of Lajong had following results – 2-2 (Pune FC), 0-2 (Salgaokar), 2-1 (United Sikkim) , 2-2 (Air India), 0-1 (Pailan Arrows). Edinho Júnior has been taken on loan from Blackburn Rovers and he played pretty well in the last game.

Shillong Lajong probable –

Ralte Lalthuammawia / Basant Singh
Subash Singh, Wailadmi Passah, C Lallawmzuala,
Jibon Singh, Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Taisuke Matsugane (Japan),Boithang Haokip/Lalramluaha Hmar, Edinho Júnior (Portugal)
Sushil Kumar Singh, Sho Kamimura(Japan)

Ralte’s goal keeping errors allowed Pune FC to come back to the last match – so it might be interesting to see if Lajong wants to put back Basant into the playing XI or continue with Ralte.

Lajong changes positions from time to time – shitch between 3-5-2 , 4-2-2- and 4-3-3 based upon the situation of the game. Edinho Júnior takes the load and at times go up with Sushil in upfront and at times come down and control the midfield. He is expected to play in between the middle third and attacking third. A good player – Edinho Júnior tries to beat opponent in the aerial control indeed. You might not find him touching the ball much but his technical sense helps him reaching close to the ball quickly in the attacking third.

Sho meanwhile tends to operate from the wing and would perhaps would be more responsible in crosses and sitters from outside the box.

Lajong tends to move a lot from the counter attacks – hence Bagan should be careful particularly from the set peice movements. Sushil should also be guarded well – and indeed he knows a bit of play acting – hence Bagan boys should be careful in handling him inside the box.

Lajong might be a bit defensive putting 6 or 7 players in the defensive third from time to time trying to frustrate Bagan boys in that zone – and then with a very capable set of midfielders who indeed are good sprinters and particularly intend to run down the middle. This is perhaps a game where Karim would like to have a defensive blocker between the midfield  and defense.

Bagan can’t afford anything short of 3 points and hence this is a game where the bagan boys will have to slow down the game a bit

Weakness – A bit of injury for the midfielders is a bit concerning for Lajong.