I-League Preview: Aizawl brace up for Minerva battle; Mohun Bagan start as favourites against Lajong

Aizwal/Kolkata: Aizawl FC are all set to take on Minerva Punjab FC in a second round match of I-league football here on Friday. The early kick-off will be followed by Mohun Bagan-Shillong Lajong FC match in Kolkata.

Aizawl FC drew 1-1 against East Bengal in their opening match last Saturday while Minerva played to a goalless draw against Chennai City FC last Sunday.

Speaking about his team`s preparations for the match Aizawl`s coach Khalid Jamil said in a release: `I am happy with my squad, and we will rectify the mistakes we made in our previous match.`

He said they will have to be cautious in every match to avoid relegation and end in a respectable position in the league.

Liberian striker Alfred Jaryan, who will captain the hosts in the match, said: `I will try to play according to the role given to me. As a professional, it is my duty to play efficiently before I can start talking about scoring.`

Minerva`s head coach Surinder Singh expressed his desire to claim their first win of the tournament, insisting the young team has potential who can utilise the platform to exhibit their merit.

But he also pointed out the relatively inexperience of the team and that they are still a fledgling group of players. Syrian international Mahmoud Al Amnah may make his debut for the side in the match.

`We are giving them the chance to show their potential,` Surinder said.

---

Bengal giants Mohun Bagan will look to maintain their winning start to the tournament.

Bagan beat Churchill Brothers 1-0 in their opening game last Sunday to start their campaign on a high.

Against Lajong, who are not expected to be much of a threat, the city giants start strong favourites.

"We are playing a good team tomorrow and to win the league we know we have to win most of the matches. We will try to do that," coach Sanjoy Sen told reporters on the eve of the match on Thursday.

Striker Balwant Singh made a rousing comeback after a lengthy injury layoff with the winner against Churchill.

While U-22 full back Subhashish Bose`s red card was a setback in the Churchill game, Sen would also like his team to be more clinical in front of goal. Sourav Das is expected to fill in the mandatory U-22 player`s role in the playing 11.

Star forward Sony Norde, who arrived in the city on Thursday, will not be participating in the match. Defender Eduardo Ferreira is also doubtful because of fever.

The visitors lost the first match to defending champions Bengaluru FC 0-3 and coach Thangboi Singto is well aware that the Bagan match won`t be easy either.

"It is always difficult to play against Mohun Bagan. They are a top side with quality players. Without Sony Norde also, they are tough opponent," Singto said.

"We are a young side with an aim of improving on our performance from last season. We have no injury concerns and would look to step up against a top side. It should motivate the players even more," added the coach.

Lajong played with eight U-22 players in their first game.