I-League: Aizawl get ready for first northeastern derby

Aizawl, Dec 17: Aizawl FC's home fans will once again rally towards the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium to cheer their home team as they prepare to face neighbours Shillong Lajong in an I-League clash here on Monday.

This will be defending champions Aizawl's last home game before Christmas and three points against Lajong will be a satisfactory Christmas present for their fans. 

Aizawl garnered maximum points in their last home game against Goan side Churchill Brothers, while the club from Meghalaya, Shillong Lajong managed a draw against the mighty Mohun Bagan in their last fixture.

Speaking to the media at the pre-match conference, Lajong coach Bobby Nongbet, who is plying his trade in the league for the first season, felt optimistic and said his team will give their best and expect three points against the home team.

"It's my first season in I-League at the helm and I'm already feeling the heat. Aizawl has played very well in their last two matches but we will work hard and expect full three points. We will play an attacking football and I expect a good match against Aizawl," said Nongbet. 

Lajong's South Korean defender Oh Joo Hoo opined, "It's my first time coming here and Aizawl has a very good team. We are a young team and we will give our best."

Aizawl will be without former captain David Lalrinmuana and this season's top-scorer William Lalnunfela who has scored two goals will be closely monitored on Monday.

Aizawl's coach Menezes said, "I have a vast knowledge about Lajong and have informed the team as well. They are a young team, with fast and technical players. Like the last game, we will give our best and I expect three points against Lajong."

He added, "The fans will be important, again, and I expect a better crowd than the last game. Against Churchill Brothers, they were terrific throughout the match and that played a key role in winning the match."

Aizawl captain Alfred Jaryan spoke highly of opponents Lajong. Jaryan said, "I know they are a good team. Against East Bengal, they had a bad day in office but against Mohun Bagan, they showed their true worth. 

"I expect a very tough game as Northeast Derbies are different from other matches. We will have to control our emotions as well."