East Bengal face Ryuji Sueoka problem ahead of quarters

Kevin Lobo was preferred over him instead. Sueoka,however,claims that he’s fully fit and ready.

“Those who are questioning my fitness don’t know the truth,” Sueoka said on the match eve.

Still,Falopa is unlikely to include him in the starting XI,though he might keep him on the bench. The Brazilian has taken charge in July but is yet win over the dressing room. His job is made difficult by the fact that the players still swear by his predecessor Trevor Morgan. The latter was a friend,philosopher and guide to the players who plotted East Bengal’s resurgence and took them to AFC Cup quarter-finals. Falopa didn’t deny this.

“It’s natural to have affection for someone who was so successful. But then,the players are professionals and will give their 100 per cent,” he said.

The coach will stick to his 4-4-2 formation with Edeh Chidi and James Moga playing upfront.

Padang lead the Indonesian Premier League with 41 points from 16 matches. They will miss their Argentine centre forward Esteban Vizcarra who’s out suspended,but in Edward Junior Wilson they’ve a marksman who can rattle any defence.

The Liberian is the top scorer in the Indonesian League with 18 goals and his mini-battle with East Bengal centre-half Uga Okpara is likely to decide the outcome of the contest.

“He (Okpara) is a good defender. I’ve seen him in the past but I think I can cope with him,” said Wilson.