I-League 2018-19: Shillong Lajong vs Gokulam: Preview and prediction
Shillong Lajong will be hosting Gokulam Kerala today in their return I-League fixture. While Shillong are 11th on the league table with 10 points from 17 matches, Gokulam are 10th with 13 points from 16 matches. Both teams have been pretty dismal this season, but should try and win today at any cost to avoid relegation. Here's our match preview.
How are Shillong looking ahead of the match?
Shillong started the season very poorly, but recovered somehow when they won two consecutive matches against Minerva Punjab and Churchill Brothers. However, they against lost momentum when they suffered thrashings at the hands of East Bengal and Chennai City. However, they were impressive in certain parts of the match against Chennai and should give in everything today to get away from the relegation zone.
Are Gokulam Kerala ready for the encounter?
Gokulam had also had a miserable 2018-19 season, and wanted to turn their fate around with the appointment of Gift Raikhan as their technical director. However, they have not even won a single match since his arrival. Gokulam have won only two out of their 16 matches this season, their last win coming in the month of November against Minerva Punjab.
Who will be the key players in the match?
For Shillong, Phrangki Buam and Samuel Kynshi will be their key players while going forward, and Shillong's fortune in the match will depend upon their performance today. Dohling and Rabha's performance as central defenders will also be important. Marcus Joseph and Ralph Alfred will be the key players for Gokulam in the final third of the field.
Predicted lineup and TV listing
Shillong Lajong: Chalieu, Khongsit, Dohling, Rabha, Kharshong, Gurung, Lalrohlua, Buam, Kynshi, Singh, Pale. Gokulam: Das Sharma, Irshad, Addo, Singh, Kumar, Khan, Vorbe, Musa, Lalmuankima, Joseph, Alfred. The match is scheduled to kick-off at 5:00 PM, and will be broadcast on the Star Sports network. It can also be live-streamed on Hotstar or Jio TV.
How can the match turn out today?
Considering that both teams have been quite dismal in their performances this season, it is difficult to predict who will emerge as winners today. Shillong will have the home advantage and if they manage to capitalize on it, they can turn out to be the victors. However, Gokulam too cannot be written off considering their forwards' prowess. We predict 2-1 in Gokulam's favor.
What should be the ideal Fantasy XI for the match?
Choose a 4-3-3 formation while keeping Chalieu as the goalkeeper. Dohling and Addo can be the center-backs for the team as Khongsit and Mehtab Singh take up the left and right back roles respectively. Buam, Vorbe, and Musa can take up the midfield while Alfred, Pale, and Singh take up attacking responsibilities.
