Crunch game for East Bengal against Pune

East Bengal find themselves in a tight spot but not the first time this I-League season.
The former champions face Pune FC for the second time in eight days at the Shivachhatrapati Sports Complex here on Saturday, and should they lose, they will concede the title to Bengaluru FC.

BFC currently lead the table with 41 points, while East Bengal are third with 37 points. Salgaocar currently lie second with 38 points from 23 games and are out of the race.
East Bengal and BFC both have two matches left but should East Bengal suffer a loss, Bengaluru’s game against Dempo on April 21 will be an inconsequential one.

However, East Bengal will be hoping for a win or at least a draw against Pune in an effort to delay Bengaluru’s aspirations of lifting their maiden title.

If East Bengal win or draw and Bengaluru lose, the title will be decided on the league’s final weekend.

Key match

Defending champions Chu­r­c­­hill Brothers will be desperately looking to seal their place in next season with a victory against United Sports Club and not leave it for their concluding clash.

Churchill are just above the relegation zone with 22 points and need three points from their remaining two matches to be sure of a place in next season’s competition.