I-League Media team

PUNE: Pune FC, who have been unbeaten at home, will look forward to extend their winning run when they will take on East Bengal in the Round 16 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium on Saturday.

The Red Lizards are on the fourth position with 20 points, while Kolkata giants are one position lower at No 6 with 16 points.

Pune FC have been unbeaten in the past seven home games which include four wins and three draws.

With a win on Saturday, Pune FC will have an opportunity to bounce to the No 2 position behind Mohun Bagan, who have 25 points.

“So far the boys have handled every situation like a professional and have done their job. The fact that we are still unbeaten at home is a big positive. Also we got an important result in the midweek against Salgaocar and that gives us a big boost going into the game against East Bengal,” said Coach Bencherifa.

“East Bengal is a strong side. They boast one of the best squads if not the best squad in the I-League and we are expecting a tough match,” he added.

“We are also like other teams, in terms of injuries and suspensions. Now we are working hard. We are giving our best effort. So far we have handled every match with professionalism and the players have done their job well. The positive points is that we are still unbeaten at home and I hope to continue as long as possible. The win against Salgaocar was good for our team. The match against East Bengal is another test for us. We are still missing Edgar Marcelino and Dhanpal Ganesh,” the coach explained.

For East Bengal who played their last game against Bharat FC here, they would be looking forward to ending their Pune outing with six points.

East Bengal coach Eelco Schattorie is looking forward to the game.

“The game is very important to both the teams. Looking at the good record of the hosts, the game is going to be a challenge,” the coach said.

Dudu Omagbeni and Ranti Martins could prove to be danger men as both of them scored in their last game.

Going into the game, Pune FC will be banking on attackers Darko Nikac, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Ryuji Sueoka to fire up front. The trio who were out of the team due to injuries and national team camp for a long time, have settled in well in recent matches and are getting better in terms of combining in the attacking third with every game.