AFC Cup 2018: Must-win for Bengaluru FC as Aizawl FC play for pride

Goal

AFC Cup 2018: Must-win for Bengaluru FC as Aizawl FC play for pride image

It is an all-Indian matchup as Bengaluru FC host Aizawl FC in a Group E fourth round game of the 2018 AFC Cup at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Wednesday.

The Albert Roca-coached side suffered their first loss in this year's competition and a first since the Indian Super League (ISL) final as New Radiant beat them 2-0 at the Maldives. To make it to the next round, the 2016 finalists will need to win both their remaining games and hope New Radiant drop points as they fell behind on the head-to-head criteria.
 
Aizawl FC, who were knocked out of the reckoning with a draw at Abahani Dhaka, earned their first point in Asia last week. The north-eastern side have nothing to play for and will use the next couple of matches to restore lost pride.

Despite starting with the likes of Sunil Chhetri, Udanta Singh and Erik Paartalu, the Blues were handed a tactical masterclass by Oscar Bruzon's side in the previous week. However, they will hope Aizawl FC will be an easier proposition but Roca will need his senior players to step up.

The three-man defence system has hurt Bengaluru FC more often than not in crucial games and it will be up to Roca to learn from his mistakes. Lalthuammawia Ralte, their designated AFC Cup custodian might make way for Gurpreet Singh Sandhu in between the sticks.

" perform:prop=

On the other hand, the 3-4-3 formation finally clicked for Santosh Kashyap's Aizawl in the last game. They dominated possession and had more scoring chances than their Bangladeshi opponents last Wednesday. It was only a soft penalty that saw them go down early on but the Reds displayed solidity to earn a point.

Kashyap, who has been harping upon the inexperienced nature of his squad to blame for floundering results in the AFC Cup now has two matches to turn party-spoilers. With both games against the top two teams remaining, it will be an opportunity for the youngsters to make a mark. 

Kick-off is at 8.00 PM IST.

BENGALURU LIKELY XI: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu (GK); Rahul Bheke, Juanan, Subhasish Bose, Nishu Kumar; Lenny Rodrigues, Erik Paartalu, Victor Perez; Udanta Singh, Thongkhosiem Haokip, Sunil Chhetri.

AIZAWL FC LIKELY XI: Avilash Paul (GK); Lalrosanga, Hmingthan 'Valpuia' Mawia, Lalchhuanawma Varte; Laldinliana Renthlei, Masih Saighani, Alfred Jaryan, Lalthathanga Khawlhring; Andrei Ionescu, Lalkhawpuimawia, Leonce Dodoz.

Goal

Goal Photo

Goal.com is the premier destination for football fans across the globe, with all the best news, transfer updates, analysis and highlights.

Goal.com and The Sporting News are partnering to bring you insights into the game like never before.