I-League: Salgaocar to host Lajong (Preview)

Salgaocar FC, which will host Shillong Lajong FC on Tuesday, are wary of the challenge the contingent from eastern Indian can throw at them here at the Nehru Stadium in Fatorda in the ninth round of the I-League.

The concern was quite evident as Salgaocar coach Derrick Pereira said: "They are a balanced side. I look at their foreign players and there is a World Cupper (Trinidadian Cornell Glen) who is in fine form and another Brazilian (Uilliams) who continues to carry his last year's form into this season. Add to that a very sprightly group of youngsters and they can be deadly opponents."

Salgaocar FC are currently seventh on the league table with eight points in their bag and Shillong Lajong are fighting to save the drop with seven points from as many matches.

Salgaocar, though, are not taking anything for granted and know the visitors can pose plenty of problems.

The last time Lajong was here, they clinched full points against Dempo, and that performance could play in the minds of the local outfit.

However, Salgaocar too have shown they can grind out results even if they are not as strong a team on paper as the likes of Dempo, Mohun Bagan and Pune.

Salgaocar have confirmed the signing of Sanju Pradhan and he will be among the 18 for the match on Tuesday.

Lajong's primary aim this season should be to avoid relegation and the visitors are doing a fine job at the moment.

Their win over Dempo here not too long ago should give them confidence, and although they lost 3-4 in the last game against Mohun Bagan, coach Thangboi Singto knows it's the early soft goals they conceded that hampered their progress.

While Lajong would be heavily dependent on Glen to provide the finishing touches, Salgaocar's mainstay is their midfield and defence.