Bengaluru take on in-form Shillong in I-League

Banalore: The surprise package of this season`s Airtel I-League, Bengaluru FC will be looking to extend their lead at the top when they face Shillong Lajong FC at the Bangalore Football Stadium here on Sunday.

Bengaluru FC trounced Salgaocar Football Club 2-1 to move to the second spot on the table with 18 points from 10 matches and Shillong, who drew their last match against Logo Rangdajied 1-1, are placed sixth with 13 points from as many matches. Bengaluru FC will be looking for a win to see themselves going past Salgaocar for the top post. The strike force hasn`t been quite as consistent as it was in the early part of the season. But the likes of Sean Rooney and Robin Singh will be looking to fire on all cylinders to gain vital three points. Sunil Chhetri, who was in his elements against Salgaocar, will like to lead the team from the front along with Rooney for the hosts. Though the hosts have not conceded too many goals, their defense still needs to plug the leaky ends to give torrid time to the visitors. John Menyongar, so far, has been a revelation in the middle and could be the vital link for Bengaluru. Shillong, who are on an unbeaten streak of six matches, will be handicapped by the absence of Jibon Singh, who was handed a two-match ban after being red-carded in a match against Mohun Bagan. Defender Wailadmi Passah will also be out on account of accumulating four yellow cards to his name in the previous fixtures. Cornell Glen is their top scorer but his major contribution has been the brace against Dempo on the opening day of the season and he will no doubt look to set that right. A major area for concern with Shillong has been their inability to convert chances.. The match would be nothing short of exciting, considering the recent form of Shillong.