I-League 2018-19: Indian Arrows vs NEROCA: Preview and prediction
NEROCA, currently fifth on the I-League table, will be visiting Indian Arrows tomorrow for their return fixture of the season. While the hosts are eighth on the league table with 13 points from 14 matches, NEROCA have managed to collect 22 points from 14 fixtures so far. The visitors can level themselves with fourth-placed East Bengal with a win. Here's our match preview.
How are the hosts looking ahead of the encounter?
Despite losing last week against Churchill Brothers, the Arrows showed great quality and the result could have been different had Sanjeev Stalin managed to score from the penalty. The most important factor haunting the Arrows is their lack of goalscoring prowess - they've only netted nine times in their 14 matches so far. They can expect better results once this situation is dealt with.
Are NEROCA ready for the challenge?
NEROCA will be coming into the match on the back of three winless encounters, and desperately need a victory to stay in the top four race. Eduardo Ferreira and Aryn Williams will not be able to take part in the match due to suspensions. Chencho Gyeltshen has been signed from Bengaluru FC, but he might not be given a start just yet.
Who will be the key players in the fixture?
Amarjit Kiyam's prowess in the midfield will be vital for Arrows, as will be Ninthoinganba Meitei and Rohit Danu's attacking capabilities. Jitendra Singh and Anwar Ali form the core of Arrows' defense, and will be important as well. Katsumi Yusa, Subhash Singh and Felix Chidi will be the key players in attack for NEROCA and Varney Kallon will be their main man in defense.
Predicted line-up and TV listing
Indian Arrows: Gill, Rai, Jitendra Singh, Ali, Boris Singh, Tangri, Kiyam, Meitei, Danu, Praveen, Vikram Singh. NEROCA: Thapa, Ashok Singh, Kallon, Meitei, Thangmuansang, Saran Singh, Ronald Singh, Malemnganba Singh, Yusa, Subhash Singh, Chidi. The match is scheduled to start at 2:00 PM, and will be broadcast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar and Jio TV.
How can the match turn out to be?
NEROCA clearly appear to be the stronger side, but considering Arrows' recent performances, they cannot be written off that easily. Arrows' performance against Churchill Brothers proves they can cause problems even for the biggest teams. Though we predict 2-0 to NEROCA, it won't be a surprise if Arrows pull off a spectacular performance and land up with the win.
