Bengaluru FC lock horns with Pune

Pune FC look ahead to reverse their fortunes when they host new entrants Bengaluru FC in a crucial top of the table I-League Round 9 clash at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Balewadi, here Wednesday.

The away game setback Pune FC experienced looms large. However, with coach Mike Snoei and company back in familiar surrounds, the idea will be to exploit advantage and move on.

Both teams clash for the first time making the encounter important in terms of table placings. With only one point separating the two in the top four (Bengaluru FC second with 14 pts, Pune FC  fourth with 13 pts), the match for Pune FC means more.

While Salgaocar FC stay atop with 16 points, a positive result would see either Bengaluru FC or Pune FC assured at least a second spot while also having a chance to top the table going into the break.

After losing the tag of being the only unbeaten team in the league, Pune FC looks up to the perfect home record -- three wins out of three and no goals conceded -- as inspiration.

On the other hand, Bengaluru FC's good start has been aided by their four wins picked up in their first five games, all at home. However, the visitors are still finding their feet on the travels having earned only a point in their two away games so far.

Bengaluru FC might draw solace from the fact that they had time to settle in Pune having arrived for two back-to-back games and being stationed in the city for almost a week.

 However, their last game against Mumbai FC saw them concede with the very last kick of the match and eventually drop two valuable points.

The visitors' good form has been primarily aided by the goal scoring exploits of Australian striker Sean Rooney and English defender John Johnson. Rooney has netted six times in five games while Johnson has managed to net the opening goal from corners in three matches.

Apart from them, captain Sunil Chhetri, who too features in Bengaluru FC’s ranks, has netted twice, despite playing wide out on the left in attack often. With fellow Indian striker Robin Singh an option off the bench, the visitors do boast significant goal-scoring prowess that need to be kept in check.

Bengaluru FC’s midfield is powered by the experienced ex-Liberian international John Menyongar, supported by the likes of Siam Hanghal, Darren Caldeira, Thoi Singh and winger B. Beikhokhei.

However, with first choice goalkeeper Pawan Kumar and Kenyan defender Curtis Osano in doubt, young custodian Bruno Colaco and ex-Pune FC defender N.S. Manju could keep their place after starting against Mumbai FC.

The hosts have some positive news. Defender Calum Angus is back in training after limping off early in the game against Sporting Goa while winger James Meyer too is back after missing out the last two games.

Srikanth Ramu returns after a long injury lay off and is joined by fellow defender Denechandra Meitei, winger Anthony D’Souza and goalkeeper Shahinlal Meloly, who replaces the suspended Amrinder Singh, in the 20-member squad.

The encounter, though a first, has quite a few ex-Pune FC-turned-rivals. The rivals defence sports N.S. Manju and left-back Lalrozama Fanai. In contrast, Pune FC have no rival teams players but a few players from Bangalore, which includes long-serving medio Shanmugam Venkatesh and right-back Srikanth.