I-League: Bengaluru FC faces tough Pune FC task

After indifferent results from the last gameweek, Pune FC and Bengaluru FC go to battle in a clash that’s touted to be fast, entertaining and more importantly, crucial, given that a point separates the two sides in the I-League table.

Both teams have much at stake, more so after league leaders Salgaocar FC only drew 2-2 against Rangdajied United FC on Tuesday afternoon giving the teams a chance to close the gap at the top.

The hosts were handed their first loss, a 2-0 defeat at Sporting Clube de Goa last week on a day when Bengaluru FC squandered the chance to surge ahead when they were held to a 2-2 draw by Mumbai FC.

“It’s going to be a great game, a top three clash. It’s a game between two teams who are having a good season and who like to play an entertaining game,” said Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood.

Though disappointed with last week’s 2-2 draw against Mumbai FC where Bengaluru FC conceded in the last minute of added time, Westwood said the team isn’t going into the game against Pune FC with any pressure. “We are obviously disappointed with the way the game unfolded but I’ve always told the boys that we will have our emotions in check – win or lose. We are a new side and there’s absolutely no pressure on the team.”

An engaging sub-plot to the game will be the clash between Pune FC’s stingy defence that has let in just three goals in six games and Bengaluru FC’s Australian striker Sean Rooney who has been consistent, scoring six goals in seven games.

Westwood has a completely fit squad at his disposal while Pune FC’s English defender Calum Angus back in the reckoning after limping off early in the game against Sporting Goa. The hosts will also be without first-choice goalkeeper Amrinder Singh after he was sent off in Goa last week, paving the way for Shahinlal Meloly to take this place under the bar.

The game kicks off at 6.30pm at the Balewadi Sports Complex in Pune.