Lajong FC to take on `not so fit` United Sports Club

Shillong: Their last three performances at home were not so impressive this season and North East football giant Shillong Lajong FC will look to break the deadlock when they take on `not so fit` United Sports Club at the JN Stadium here on Saturday.

Lajong FC lost two matches and registered a draw at home and managed to grab full points in Goa, a performance which did not go well with the home fans. While United SC`s performance had been impressive so far with two win, a lost and a draw in four matches. Currently three points ahead of the host at number four spot in the table, United SC men are fully dependent on their foreign recruits ?- Eric, Ranti and Robello. With no signs of improvements in their midfield and attacks, the home side are setting their sights high to convert maximum advantages from their opponent`s weaknesses. The visitors are facing fitness concerns for their players and they are set to play without the service of key players Lalkamal and Tapan, who are recovering from injuries, and Md Rafique, their U-23 representative, as he is playing for his office. "We have a lot of issues to work with as a team tomorrow. A lot of my players have just returned from the break but they all work hard," Coach Eelco Schattorie said. The Dutchman`s concern is all the more visible as the fourth referee during their match with Bengaluru, Rahul D`sa, will take centre stage in the field tomorrow. Rahul sent the Dutchman to the stands after an altercation for which the latter is serving a two match ban. "My only wish is that the referee for tomorrow, being a human, can separate his personal grudges (against me) and be professional for the game," Eelco said.