SC Bengaluru vs Shillong Lajong Predictions

SC Bengaluru will host Shillong Lajong at the Bangalore Football Stadium on February 26, 2025, in a crucial I-League matchup as Round 18 brings together a struggling newcomer and a mid-table side. SC Bengaluru, under new management (assumed continuity from Darren Caldeira’s tenure unless otherwise noted), are in their debut I-League season after promotion and as of February 26, 2025, are projected to sit 10th with around 18 points from 17 matches, following a projected 2-1 loss to Churchill Brothers (Feb 22, 2025). Shillong Lajong, managed by Bobby Lyngdoh Nongbet, finished the 2024 I-League season with 34 points, placing 6th, and are projected to sit 5th with approximately 28 points from 17 matches, coming off a projected 1-1 draw against Gokulam Kerala (Feb 22, 2025). Our expert prediction explores team form, key players, head-to-head stats, and betting tips to answer: Who will win SC Bengaluru vs Shillong Lajong in this I-League clash?

Team Form & Recent Performances

SC Bengaluru

• 2024 Record (I-League 2nd Division): 18W, 3D, 3L (57 points, 1st - Promoted to I-League)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 2-1 loss vs. Churchill Brothers (Feb 22, 2025); 5W, 3D, 9L (18 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Home Form (2024 I-League 2nd Division): 9W, 2D, 1L (averaging 2.25 goals scored, 0.92 conceded)
  SC Bengaluru have faced a challenging transition to the I-League, with their projected 2-1 loss to Churchill Brothers marking their fourth defeat in six league games (1W, 1D, 4L), following a 1-0 win over Namdhari (Feb 17, 2025). As of February 26, 2025, they’re projected at 18 points from 17 matches, averaging 1.12 goals per game and conceding 1.71, reflecting a team struggling to adapt to the higher tier. At home in 2024 (based on I-League 2nd Division stats), they averaged 2.25 goals per game, with Thomyo Shimray (6 goals entering 2025) leading the attack, though their defensive frailties have been exposed in the I-League.

Shillong Lajong

• 2024 Record: 9W, 7D, 6L (34 points, 6th in I-League)

• Latest Result (Projected as of Feb 26): 1-1 draw vs. Gokulam Kerala (Feb 22, 2025); 8W, 4D, 5L (28 points projected entering Feb 26)

• Away Form (2024): 4W, 3D, 4L (averaging 1.36 goals scored, 1.45 conceded)
  Shillong Lajong have been a steady presence, with their projected 1-1 draw against Gokulam Kerala marking their third draw in five league games (2W, 3D, 0L), following a 2-1 win over Aizawl (Feb 17, 2025). Projected at 28 points from 17 matches, they average 1.47 goals per game and concede 1.29, reflecting a team in contention for a top-six finish. On the road in 2024, they averaged 1.36 goals per game, with Marcos Rudwere (7 goals entering 2025) leading the attack, though their away defense has shown occasional vulnerability.

Head-to-Head Stats & Historical Context

• Overall Record: Limited historical meetings due to SC Bengaluru’s recent promotion; no prior I-League clashes.

• Recent Meetings (Projected based on lower divisions or friendlies):

  • No direct competitive H2H in I-League; hypothetical friendlies or cup ties may exist, but data is sparse.

• Key Trend: First competitive I-League meeting; based on form, Shillong Lajong’s experience may give them an edge.
  With SC Bengaluru newly promoted from the I-League 2nd Division and Shillong Lajong an established I-League side, this will likely be their first competitive meeting in this tier. Shillong Lajong’s experience against higher-tier opposition contrasts with SC Bengaluru’s debut season struggles, though home advantage could level the playing field. Without prior H2H data, trends from Shillong Lajong’s matches against similar mid-to-lower-tier teams suggest a balanced contest, often exceeding 2.5 goals.

Key Players to Watch

SC Bengaluru

• Thomyo Shimray (FWD): 6 goals in 2024/25; SC Bengaluru’s top scorer and key attacking threat.

• Sankesh S. (MID):** 3 goals, 3 assists; emerging midfielder adding creativity.

• Aslam Khan S. (GK):** 4 clean sheets; vital in goal despite defensive challenges.

Shillong Lajong

• Marcos Rudwere (FWD): 7 goals in 2024/25; Shillong Lajong’s leading scorer and physical presence.

• Hardy Nongbri (MID): 3 goals, 4 assists; dynamic playmaker driving the midfield.

• Neithovilie Chalieu (GK): 5 clean sheets; steady keeper anchoring the defense.

Tactical Insights & Match Dynamics

SC Bengaluru’s pragmatic 4-4-2 (1.12 goals per game) will face Shillong Lajong’s fluid 4-2-3-1 (1.47 goals per game). Shimray’s finishing and Sankesh’s creativity could test Shillong Lajong’s defense (1.29 goals conceded per game), though injuries to defenders like Saikhom Singh may weaken their backline. Shillong Lajong’s attacking approach, led by Rudwere’s power and Nongbri’s vision, will challenge SC Bengaluru’s leaky defense (1.71 goals conceded per game), which has struggled against stronger sides. SC Bengaluru’s Robin Gurung (doubtful, knock) and Shillong Lajong’s Ronney Kharbudon (out, injury) may affect lineups, with Bangalore Football Stadium’s 10,000-strong crowd pushing for a home upset.

Prediction: SC Bengaluru vs Shillong Lajong

Our Prediction: Total Goal - Over 2.5