Sporting Clube de Goa will play host to Shillong Lajong FC in what will be a thrilling I-League Round 15 encounter at the Duler Stadium Mapusa, Goa on December 14 at 15.30 IST. The match will be broadcasted live on Ten Action.

The Reds are in 4th place with 20 points and their form is definitely on their side. The Goan side head into this match in a very good form as well and are currently in 2nd position with 21 points. The contest will certainly be an entertaining 90 minutes of football with both teams battling it all out to be in the top two of the I-League standings.

Lajong known to be the underdogs, have silenced the critics this season as they have definitely proved a point with very promising performances this season away from home. The Shillongites are on high spirits after a 1-0 win in Goa over reigning champions Churchill Brothers SC on Tuesday and it may also be mentioned that Shillong Lajong opened the I-League campaign with a stupendous 3-0 win over former champions Dempo SC in Goa itself.

Crossing over, the host hold a better record on paper than the visitors with six wins and three draws compared to Lajong’s five wins and five draws so far in the league. These two team previously met on October 5 and it was the Goan outfit who took home all the three points after a 1-0 over Lajong in Shillong.

The Flaming Orange head into this game after a goalless draw against Goan rivals Salgaocar FC.

Spanish Coach Oscar Bruzon said: “Our opponents for tomorrow are Shillong Lajong FC and that is what we should worry about. Not the positions, not who is ahead of us, or who remains behind.”

He also said: “I know the Shillong Lajong FC coach (Thangboi Singto) quite well and I like the team. I saw both their matches in Goa which they won and their organisation is immaculate. We will have to be at our best to break them down.”

Meanwhile Shillong Lajong FC coach Thangboi Singto said: “Sporting Clube is a very good side and Lajong has to play to the best ability to beat them.”

When asked if the team will face any added pressure he explained: “There is no added pressure to the team. We need to believe and have a good start. Winning mentality is a must for this game. To win we need consistency and a disciplined performance.”

Coach Thangboi Singto also elucidated: “The team wants to say a big thank you to all the Lajong fans. We hope that you will always support the team at all times as we will also try our best to bring smiles to all the Lajong faithfuls.”

Shillong Lajong will be missing Uilliams who is still injured and has not travelled with the team to Goa and is currently undergoing treatment in Shillong.

Singto also commented on captain Minchol Son who missed two games on the trot: “The team needs their super captain and we will take the final call on him tomorrow.”

The Reds are definitely capable of handling the best of teams on their day and will settle for nothing less than a win when they play Sporting Clube de Goa tomorrow at the Duler Stadium.