I-League Media Team

PUNE: Still savouring their shock 1-0 win over the league leaders Mohun Bagan early this week, Bharat FC is gung-ho about the return Pune Derby when they take on Pune FC in the rescheduled Round 11 match in the Hero I-League Football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium on Sunday.

After drawing their first derby 1-1 early in April, both teams will be eager to get full points from this one given that the I-League is at the business end of the season.

This being the last game for both Bharat FC and Pune FC at the Balewadi ground before heading to three-match away tour that will bring end to the season.

Pune FC, which is lying at No 5 position, will be looking to garner full points after two-week break from playing. With 23 points and 12 more to fight for, this is the last chance for Pune FC to show their mettle and make it for at least top three finish at the end of the season.

Bharat FC are currently at No 10 position with 15 points from 16 matches.

A series of losses has put Pune FC on a burner and that has put coach Karim Bencherifa in the hot seat. He has gone of leave at this crucial juncture leaving Assistant coach Gift Raikhan in-charge of the game.

“It’s an important game for both sides. We have been working hard during the break and hope to come up with a good performance against Bharat FC,” said Raikhan.

Pune FC has a few injuries to worry about but the final decision will be taken only on the match-day. However, medio Dhanpal Ganesh will miss out as he serves a one-match suspension for receiving four yellow cards.

Bharat FC, on the other hand, has full team to choose from. They will look to their overseas quartet of defender Omar Jarun, medio Robert Hassel, playmaker Romuald Boco and striker Kris Bright to deliver.

Bharat FC’s coach Stuart Watkiss said that he could not have asked for a better result than the one his side earned as he went into what would be a pivotal fixture in Bharat FC’s debut season.

“The performance that the lads put in on Tuesday has lifted everyone. The energy we showed on the pitch, the tactical discipline we adhered to and the sheer number of chances we created are proof that we are moving in the right direction. Sunday is a massive game for us but I think we couldn’t have asked for a better build-up than what we have had,” he said.

Watkiss said that going by the performance that both teams dished out in the inaugural Pune derby, he was looking forward to an open and exciting game.

“Derbies are great occasions. Something that you have to relish and use it as a springboard to raise your game on the day. We saw both teams doing that the last time we met and I expect much more of the same. The people of Pune were treated to an engaging 90 minutes the last time we faced Pune FC and I am sure we have another cracker coming up tomorrow,” said Watkiss.

Kick-off: 10-05-2015@ 7 PM
 

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