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BFC look to seal play-off spot

Last Updated 16 February 2019, 14:28 IST

Bengaluru FC have not been themselves post the winter break. The mistakes are creeping in their matches and piquing the focus on their on-pitch struggles. The league-toppers will be keen to put the recent results behind them when they play hosts Delhi Dynamos in the Hero Indian Super League at the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium on Sunday.

Bengaluru need a win to become the first team to qualify for the play-offs. With 31 points from 15 matches, they are perched on the top of the table. However, it is their form at the business end of the tournament, which is becoming an increasing cause of worry. The Blues have just one win from four matches and are coming off a 1-2 reverse against arch-rivals Chennaiyin FC, where their frailties in midfield and defence were left exposed.

Bengaluru are also hampered by poor starts and in their last two games were found trailing at the half time. Coach Carles Cuadrat has been testing the bench strength in the last four games. He is expected to stick to the rotation against the Dynamos too, in a bid to keep his key players fresh for the remaining matches against FC Goa and Jamshedpur FC.

"Of course, there are always problems on the pitch. You have to rotate the players. Our position on the table gives us the privilege to make some changes and afford some mistakes. We are lucky in that regard," said Cuadrat.

The last time these teams met in Bengaluru, Josep Gombau's side ended up on the losing side. Still, the last four matches (2 wins, 2 draws) have been good for Dynamos, who have already been knocked out of the play-off race. With an improved defence, they will be eager to finish their home season on a high. For them, Lallianzuala Chhangte, who is back after a short stint with Norwegian outfit Viking FK, is expected to feature on Sunday.

"They (Bengaluru) are on top of the table and have very good quality players. It will be a tough game for us like every single team in the ISL which plays against Bengaluru. I think we are doing quite well in the last four games. I think that the team is performing very well and we want to put on a good show since it is our last home game," said Gombau.

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(Published 16 February 2019, 14:23 IST)

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