Lajong eye hat-trick Of home wins in I-League vs Chennai (Preview)

Shillong Lajong FC will aim to complete a hat-trick of home wins when they host Chennai City FC in a sixth round I-League football match here on Tuesday.

High on confidence after consecutive wins over Minerva Punjab and Mumbai FC, Lajong are raring to go against Chennai, who approach the match after their 2-0 home win against Aizawl FC.

Lajong are fifth in the standings with two wins and three losses, Chennai are at ninth with four points.

The match on Tuesday will test the fitness levels and game preparedness of both sides, especially the visitors, considering the tight fixture they are dealing with.

Chennai reached Shillong on Sunday and will barely train ahead of the match. Lajong, however, can't afford to be complacent because of this advantage.

Lajong coach Thangboi Singto said on Monday his boys have now started to gel as a unit and the challenge now is to continue playing in the fashion similar to their 3-1 win against Mumbai FC.

"As I have mentioned before, the team needed time to play together to gel and I think it has finally started to show (on the field). We have to now continue with this style of play," Singto said.

"We started with the first home game against Minerva and we have progressed from there. We played much better against Mumbai FC in terms of creating chances, need to carry the momentum forward."

Singto also warned his boys that Chennai are no pushovers and have a nice combination of youth and experience in their ranks.

Lajong's Dan Ignet is a doubtful starter while Zodingliana will miss the match.

Chennai coach Robin Raja said his boys have handled all problems pretty well so far.

"Five of our players joined us three days before the first game. So, we are taking it match by match," Raja said, adding changes in weather and terrain pose strong challenges for his team.

--IANS

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