Having played 17 games each this season, Gokulam Kerala FC who started on a bright note, have somehow lost their sheen and now sit in the tenth place with 14 points while former champions Aizawl FC have just a point advantage coming into the game tomorrow.

The game is scheduled for a 3:30 PM Kick-off.

Gokulam Kerala FC would also aim to come out winning against Aizawl FC in their return leg, after having lost 2-3 to the formers champions in their first encounter this season.

Gift Raikhan would look to utilize his strengths to ensure they walk away with all the three points. While Aizawl FC would be brimming with confidence after having played a highly entertaining 1-1 draw to title contenders Quess East Bengal in their last encounter in Kolkata.

Gokulam have been playing attacking football ever since the appointment of their new technical director Gift Raikhan. Their new striker Marcus Joseph has really showcased his worth scoring four goals in six games while assisting in three important goals as well.

Gokulam Kerala Coach Gift Raikhan said, “Tomorrow is a very very crucial match for us and for them. We have already planned how we will be winning three points. By hook or by crook, anyhow and Tomorrow match for us will be like “one stepping stone” for us. We have already made our objective and the strategy for tomorrow match with the boys. We are ready to fight tomorrow for three points.”

Gokulam’s Indian talents Arun Jayaraj, Suhair VP and Pritam Singh have safely dominated the midfield but have lacked the creative finishing in the final third. What will be a matter of concern for Gift Raikhan is their defence, which has been struggling for quite sometime now.

On the other hand, Aizawl FC will look to quickly get to their act together after having an impressive run before, if they want to harbor any hopes to be saved from relegation.

Coach Stanley Rozario will need to address to the team’s goal scoring skills to encourage his players for one major push towards securing a win. He would be banking heavily on his front men – Ivorian Zikahi Dodoz, Liberian Ansumana Kromah and local talent Mapuia to fire for the team.

However, the defence is what should be a concern for the former champions as well, which lacks experience and have been shaky times and again. Aizawl FC coach Stanley Rozario, “Now, I am focusing after I have taken the charge.The boys are talented and improving.They are gelling with my tactics and philosophies.”

“This match is vital for both the teams because we are ninth and they are on tenth. Both the teams are fighting for relegation. We will continue in the same spirit and hope. We are going to look forward for good result and hoping to score the three points.”

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While the Kolkata giants would like to reduce the gap with table-toppers Chennai City FC in their run for the title, Aizawl FC who are currently placed 9th in the points table would aim to bring some consistency to their campaign this season.

The game is scheduled for a 5 PM Kick-Off.

A win for the visitors would only strengthen their confidence as a team as they have largely failed to impress all throughout their campaign. Quess East Bengal who have been in a pristine form this season, however, would be wary about the former champions, whom they had suffered a 2-3 loss against in the first leg in November 2018.

The hosts have shown immense strength in their defence having only conceded 17 goals this season. With the likes of Costa Rican world-cupper Johnny Acosta, Borja Gomez and Chullova in the defence line, it wouldn’t be an easy task for Aizawl FC to breach the deadlock.

Aizawl FC’s forward line comprising of Zikahi Dodoz, Kromah and Jaryan can also be equally threatening. Meanwhile, they can draw motivation from their exploits in the first meeting.

East Bengal’s Spanish Coach Alejandro Menendez must be given credit for his tactical improvisations in their midfield, where it has been crucial, and should pose difficulty for the opponents. With the likes of Mexican Esqueda and Joby Justin in the forward line, the hosts have a lethal attack force up their sleeves who have been creating trouble for all the opponents this season. Incidentally, Joby is the highest Indian and third highest goal scorer this season with 9 goals to his kitty.

Alejandro Menendez said, “It is an important match for us. Mostly everything is good with the team till now. Aizwal will impost a tough competition although they are fighting for relegation now. At this moment, the focus is on working hard for the next match and the next opponent. The team is focusing on the next match.”

“We always work to win and we are looking to win all the three matches which are left. If we practice hard and give our best we can win the title”, Menendez sounded confident.

Aizawl FC, on the other hand, would have major defensive worries, having leaked as many as 24 goals in sixteen games so far. They haven’t been able to score many as well, managing only 17 goals from 18 games so far.

Speaking ahead of the game tomorrow, Aizawl FC coach Stanley Rozario, “Tomorrow’s match is very important because it is a tough match for us. East Bengal is a good team and it is their home match. We are ready for the match. East Bengal is playing for the championship so they will be giving their best.”

“Every match is different as every team has its own style which changes according to the game. Football is a game where anything can happen. We will be giving our best to play well tomorrow”, Rozario added further.

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