The I-League champions have started right from where they stopped. They have picked up two victories in their two matches so far but have often left it for late. with a 3-2 comeback win against Chennai and a last minute victory over Churchill Brothers, allowing them to sit at the top of Group A with six points.
The Red and Golds meanwhile have recovered from a stuttering start. They were held to a 1-1 draw by Churchill in the first game but soon responded with a 2-0 win over struggling Chennai City. They are second with four points, three ahead of third placed Churchill.
While Aizawl’s place in the next round is guaranteed, the same cannot be said for their opponents. The last game of Group A will decide who gets to go through alongside Aizawl.
Interestingly with Churchill having played its game in the earlier kick-off, the Red and Golds will know exactly what is required of them. A Churchill win will mean that East Bengal needs a point to confirm progress which will see Aizawl topping the group. A win for the Kolkata side meanwhile will see them going numero uno in the group with Aizawl second.
Aizawl has had the upper hand when these two met in the league this season. Not only did the Reds earn a point away from home, they also picked up a win at their home ground.
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The high flyers are expected to field a direct 4-4-1-1 with Jayesh Rane deployed behind Kamo Bayi. The impressive Laldanmawia who is the highest scorer so far with three goals and Brandon Vanlalremdika would offer support from the flanks.Mahmud Al Amna and Alfred Jaryan will patrol the midfield as usual, giving the defence room to breathe.
On the other hand, the Red and Golds have cause for concern. Gurwinder and Mehtab Hossain are both suspended for the game and with Bukenya also picking up an injury after the last game, there will need to be a forced shuffle in the line-up.
With Mehtab unable to feature, Rowlin Borges will take up sole responsibility as a midfield anchor screening the defensive line in a 4-4-2 diamond. Rafique and Jairu will be deployed on the flanks as usual with Wedson in the hole behind a striking duo of Plaza and Robin Singh.
PREDICTED LINE UPS
