Kerala’s Neelapada start the second phase of their I-League campaign against Federation Cup finalists Shillong Lajong on the 8th of January 2:30pm
Last season when Viva and Lajong played each other in the I-League Second Division, Viva grabbed all three points beating Lajong by a one-goal margin. Though that was less than a year back, a lot has changed from then and now.
Both teams have been tough nuts to crack for their I-League counterparts so far. But Lajong has taken a few strides ahead of Viva this season.
**Form Guide
** Last five completed matches during the current season (2009-10) excluding friendlies/practice matches and most recent results first
Viva Kerala – DDDWW
Viva has been undefeated for a long time now and has been improving with each match. Their weakness has been their inability to score goals. Viva will need to win this one to bring their league campaign back on track.
Shillong Lajong – DWDWD
Lajong has been the surprise package this season. Their Federation Cup form has been exceptional and they did everything right till the penalty shootouts in the final against East Bengal. While they may not be able to replicate their fairytale performance in the League, they will be looking to consolidate their position in mid-table.
**Team News
** **Viva Kerala
** Coach Sreedharan has a fully fit team at his disposal. Right back Noushad is expected to be back in the starting XI after recovering from his ankle injury. Defender Charles Dzisah will be drafted in as partner to Bello Rasaq in central defence.
The coach could spring a surprise by bring back Shahinlal Meloly at goal. The impressive K Sharat could be rested as he may not have recovered completely from the injury he picked up at the Federation Cup.
The rest of the team gets picked on their own.
Viva also have a dependable second string now with the bench consisting of central midfielder P Rahul, wingback Marshook, winger KP Nishad, attacking midfielder Ahmed Malik and makeshift striker KP Anish.
All eyes will be on left winger C Sirajudeen who scored the goal against Lajong the last time both teams played each other. Lajong will keep a close watch on the quickie.
Central defender Amarwant Singh and star striker CS Sabeeth have not traveled with the team to Shillong as they are still recovering from their injuries.
Probable XI (4-4-2): Shahinlal Meloly– K Noushad, Bello Rasaq, Charles Dzisah, VV Surjit – T Karma, Raman Patrick Sisupalan, MP Sakeer, C Sirajuddeen – Rueben Senyo, VK Shibinlal.
**Shillong Lajong
** Stanley Rozario has changed the Lajong team into competitive outfit. He is spoilt for choices with the players fighting for places in the starting XI.
Bedemi and Giblee are likely to be back in the team after picking up injuries during the Federation Cup campaign. In attack, he has Nepali star Anil Gurung, African strikers Michael Bassey and James Giblee and young revelation Tuboi. All four strikers have a claim to get a starting role and it will be interesting to see which of the strikers get a start.
In midfield, Samson Ramengmawia, captain Aibor Khongjee, former supersub Lyngshing, Suting Marlanki, Bengkok Nemeirakpam and Romeo Sukhlein will fight for places. Right winger Niwan seems to be the only one to have cemented his place as he has gone ahead of the others in his position.
Probable XI (3-4-3): Gumpe Rime – Wailadmi Passah, Daniel Bedemi, Ailand Kynta – Niwan-o-Gatpoh, Kyrshan Lyngshing, Samson Ramengmawia, Boithang Haokip – James Giblee, Sheikhohao Tuboi, Anil Gurung.
**Players to Watch
** MP Sakeer (Viva Kerala) – The Viva skipper will have to play his heart out in the middle to help Viva pull off a result. His performances have caught the eye of many this season and according to insiders, his best is yet to come.
Sheikhohao Tuboi (Shillong Lajong) – The 20 year old Army man is the hottest property in Indian football right now. He was by far the most impressive player at the recently concluded Federation Cup. The “awe” factor can be a burden on the lad’s young shoulders.
**Key Matchups
** Bello Rasaq vs. James Giblee
Charles Dzisah vs. Anil Gurung
Patrick Sisupalan vs. Sheikhohao Tuboi
Rueben Senyo vs. Daniel Bedemi
Jason Morais writes for footballkerala.com
From the archive. First published on footballkerala.com on Friday 8 January 2010, restored from the site's 2012 database. Text as originally published.