Churchill Brothers vs Shillong Lajong Predictions

Churchill Brothers will face Shillong Lajong at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on March 7, 2025, in a key I-League matchup, with both teams vying for momentum in the 2024/25 season’s second half. Churchill Brothers, projected to sit mid-table with around 28 points from 18 matches as of March 6, 2025, are coming off a 2-1 league win over Namdhari (March 2, 2025), aiming to build consistency and chase a top-three finish. Shillong Lajong, expected to lead the league with approximately 38 points from 18 matches, arrive after a 2-0 victory over Aizawl (March 2, 2025), looking to solidify their title credentials. This expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win Churchill Brothers vs Shillong Lajong in this I-League showdown?

Team Form & Recent Performances

Churchill Brothers

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 8W, 4D, 6L in I-League (28 points, 5th)

• Latest Result: 2-1 win vs. Namdhari (I-League, March 2, 2025)

• Home Form: 5W, 2D, 2L (16 goals scored, 11 conceded) Churchill Brothers have shown signs of resurgence, with their 2-1 victory over Namdhari marking their third win in five games (3W, 1D, 1L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 28 points from 18 matches, they’ve climbed into mid-table contention, with a 3-1 win over Gokulam Kerala (Feb 15, 2025) highlighting their home strength. At Tilak Maidan, they’ve averaged 1.78 goals scored and 1.22 conceded per game, blending attacking flair with occasional defensive lapses, now facing a stern test against the league leaders.

Shillong Lajong

• 2024/25 Record (Projected as of Mar 6): 12W, 2D, 4L in I-League (38 points, 1st)

• Latest Result: 2-0 win vs. Aizawl (I-League, March 2, 2025)

• Away Form: 5W, 1D, 3L (17 goals scored, 11 conceded) Shillong Lajong have been the standout team, with their 2-0 win over Aizawl extending an unbeaten run of seven games (6W, 1D, 0L) as of March 6, 2025. Projected at 38 points from 18 matches, they lead the I-League, with a 2-1 victory over SC Bengaluru (Feb 14, 2025) showcasing their road prowess. Away from home, they’ve averaged 1.89 goals scored and 1.22 conceded per game, with Marcos Rudwere (10 goals) driving their attack, posing a major threat to Churchill’s defense.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Churchill Brothers 7W, Shillong Lajong 5W, 2D (14 meetings since 2014)

• Recent Meeting:
  November 24, 2024: Shillong Lajong 2-1 Churchill Brothers (I-League, Round 8)

• Key Trend: Four of the last five H2Hs produced over 2.5 goals; Churchill Brothers have won 3 of their last 4 home games vs. Shillong Lajong. The November 2024 clash saw Shillong Lajong edge a 2-1 win at home, with Rudwere and Gonçalves scoring, countered by Louis Ogana for Churchill, reflecting a trend of high-scoring affairs (avg. 2.8 goals in last 5 H2Hs). Churchill’s 2-1 home win in March 2024 suggests they can trouble Shillong at Tilak Maidan, setting up a competitive battle.

Key Players to Watch

Churchill Brothers

• Louis Ogana (FWD): 8 goals, 3 assists in I-League; Churchill’s top scorer with pace and precision.

• Peyton Shirley (MID): 4 goals, 5 assists; creative force in midfield.

• Subhasish Roy Chowdhury (GK): 5 clean sheets; key to defensive resilience.

Shillong Lajong

• Marcos Rudwere (FWD): 10 goals, 2 assists in I-League; Shillong’s leading scorer and physical presence.

• Daniel Gonçalves (MID): 6 goals, 5 assists; versatile playmaker with finishing touch.

• Rohit Danu (GK): 6 clean sheets; anchors a stout defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

Churchill Brothers’ 4-3-3 (1.61 goals per game) relies on Ogana’s finishing and Shirley’s vision, targeting Shillong’s solid defense (1.11 goals conceded per game), though Stendly Fernandes’ doubtful status (hamstring) may force adjustments. Shillong Lajong’s 4-4-2 (1.94 goals per game) hinges on Rudwere’s aerial threat and Gonçalves’s flair, pressing high (avg. 51% possession away) to dominate, with Everbrightson Sana questionable (fatigue) but likely to play. Tilak Maidan’s 5,000 fans will rally Churchill, but Shillong’s attacking quality could tilt an open, goal-heavy contest.

Prediction: Churchill Brothers vs Shillong Lajong

Our Prediction: Shillong Lajong to Win 2-1