Gokulam, Aizawl to play for survival on Thursday

Laggards Gokulam Kerala FC and former champions Aizawl FC will battle it out for survival when they take on each other in the 99th game of the ongoing Hero I-League at the EMC Corporation Stadium here on Thursday.

Having played 17 games each this season, Gokulam Kerala FC, who started on a bright note, have somehow lost their sheen and now sit in the 10th place with 14 points while former champions Aizawl FC have just a point advantage coming into the game.

Gokulam would also aim to come out winning against Aizawl FC in their return leg, after having lost 2-3 to the formers champions in their first encounter this season.

Gift Raikhan would look to utilise his strengths to ensure they walk away with all the three points.

Aizawl FC would be brimming with confidence after having played a highly entertaining 1-1 draw against title contenders East Bengal in their last encounter in Kolkata.

Gokulam, on the other hand, have been playing attacking football ever since the appointment of their new technical director Gift Raikhan. Their new striker Marcus Joseph has really showcased his worth scoring four goals in six games while assisting in three as well.

Gokulam coach Gift Raikhan said: "Tomorrow is a very very crucial match for us and for them. We have already planned how we will be winning three points."