I-League Media Team

PUNE: Mohun Bagan’s first loss of the season has opened possibilities for other top rung teams and that is what Pune FC will be looking to leverage when they take on Bengaluru FC in the Round 18 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Tuesday.

Pune FC will be without the services of some key players due to suspension and injuries, but that should in no way come in the way of the Red Lizards, who survived a tough away outing against Dempo despite playing with 10 men.

This season Pune has lost just one match at home against East Bengal last week, but otherwise the record is clean which gives Pune FC hopes of winning against a depleted and travel-weary Bengaluru FC.

Pune FC is currently at No 3 position with 23 points from 14 matches, while Bengaluru occupy No 4 rank with 22 points from 13 matches.

Pune FC coach Karim Bencherifa was ecstatic about the prospects after winning against Dempo.

“The win against Dempo SC was an important one for us. The boys gave their all in really tough conditions in Goa to get the win which gives us a confidence boost.”

“The home game against Bengaluru FC is a crucial one as a win can take us into a challenging position in the standings. They are a strong side and we are expecting a tough match tomorrow,” he added.

There are some worries for Pune FC though. Serbian Darko Nikac picked his fourth yellow card and will be suspended for one match. Also, Dhanpal Ganesh will be out of action following red card booking.

In the injury list is Edgar Marcelino and Ishfaq Ahmed with the Portuguese yet to fully recover and Ahmed still receiving treatment. Central midfield will be the key area that Pune FC will have to fortify.

Bengaluru FC on the other hand arrived here after winning 1-0 over Warriors FC in Singapore, but in the I-League the Bengaluru team suffered back-to-back draws against Royal Wahingdoh FC and Mumbai FC.

Bengaluru coach Ashley Westwood heavily depends on his attacking trio of Sean Rooney, Robin Singh and Sunil Chhetri. But Robin Singh will miss playing as he had picked red card.

Much will depend on Eugeneson Lyngdoh, Thoi Singh and Joshua Walker, who are expected to pull the strings in the midfield.

Over the years both sides have faced off four times with Pune FC having the upper hand logging two wins compared to Bengaluru FC’s one. Moreover, in three I-League games, Pune FC have not only remained unbeaten but also sealed two wins.

Kick-off: 21-04-2015@ 7 PM
 

Hashtag: #PFCvBFC