Now or never for Lalitpur City FC against Butwal Lumbini FC

The stakes are high, pressure is  at all time high and the challenge is stupendous for Lalitpur City FC as they  clash against Butwal Lumbini FC in the Nepal Super League at Dashrath stadium Thursday.

With one defeat and three  successive draws, the Lalitpur outfit are winless and are on the cusp of elimination.

Currently with three points,they still have a glimmer of hope to make it to the playoffs.They need nothing less than a win. Else, it is all over.

The sacking of  Lalitpur City FC Head Coach Pradeep Humagain was a shocker. Honestly speaking,I did not see it coming, 

I don’t know the reasons behind  his firing.I reckon there were major differences between the coach and management, which led to the ouster.

Having lost the head coach and grimly fighting to stay in the competition, Lalitpur City  FC  have their backs  to the wall  and are up against odds. 

The interim coach in charge must motivate and lift the sagging morale of the team.As for the team ,they have to regroup,reinvent themselves and bring lots of positivity into the crucial tie.

Players must learn from mistakes and overcome all negativity surrounding the team.They have to start fresh with a positive frame of mind, 

 

It is extremely important that they  are mentally  prepared for the showdown. In addition,they must fully commit themselves and play a very meaningful and purposeful brand of football.

Players have to also realize that  it is now or never.They must rise to the occasion,step up,individually and collectively.

Also it is a big opportunity for them to prove themselves.They have to show that they are far from finished.

They must approach the game with a well thought out strategy and tactical plan.At the end of the day, it comes down to how well they are able to execute on the pitch.

In retrospect, Lalitpur City FC performance has  been mediocre and inconsistent largely. We have only seen patches of brilliance.The  offense has not thrived and let down by poor finish, coupled with inability to score goals.

Midfielders have been far from instrumental in their role,and it has been a story of  struggle for the defense.The defense must perform with aplomb to assure victory to the team.

Butwal Lumbini will not leave any stone unturned in their effort to pile misery on the opponent. Coming off a defeat in their last match,they  look more determined than ever to bounce back and regain the pole position.

They are aware that a win would put them within the reach of playoffs.They have been playing smart football and shown qualities of a champion.

They are a well balanced side with plenty  of attacking flair, creativity in midfield and sound defense. In defeat,they have everything to lose.

If  they play to their  true potential, they have a far better chance to emerge victorious.They go into the match as favorites. 

Biratnagar City FC vs Kathmandu Rayzrs: A cliffhanger 

The second match between  front runners Biratnagar City FC and Kathmandu Rayzrs should  be a cliffhanger from start to  finish.

Both teams with seven points are level on points,however,Biratnagar City FC are at the top of the table on a better goal difference.

They look resolute  when it comes to  defending their standings in the championship.Whoever wins the game will be in a strong position, guaranteeing them a playoff spot.

The two sides are brimming with confidence following their recent success and are riding on momentum.They are expected to go all out for the win.

I expect the duel  between the two equal teams to  be grueling,explosive and end to end throughout  the ninety minutes of play.

It should be  an  evening of fast paced,exciting,thrilling, absorbing and attacking football.

As a unit they must be organized,disciplined and show hunger for success.Taking into account both teams' performances in the last four matches,there is plenty of room for improvement in every department of  the game.

The  team that performs with greater consistency, clinical finishing, dominant constructive midfield play and compact defending stands a good chance to win.

Given the strengths and weaknesses of both teams, I give a slight edge to Biratnagar City FC over Kathmandu Rayzrs  strictly based on their robust,consistent performance and fighting spirit.