Bengaluru FC go to battle with United SC with an eye on pole position in a Round Three I-League fixture at the Bangalore Football Stadium, on Sunday. The hosts and the team from Kolkata are coming off resounding wins from their games in the last round respectively and the 4 pm kick-off promises to be an interesting fare.
Backed vociferously by packed stands in the last two games, Ashley Westwood’s team have had an impressive start to the season almost eking out a win against Mohun Bagan and then blanking Rangdajied United 3-0 for their first win in the league. But the Englishman prefers that his team stay grounded on the eve of their tie against United SC. “We look forward to these kind of games. There has been loads of improvement but are not getting carried away. Also, we aren’t really bothered about the table. If we play the way we plan, the table will take care of itself,” said Westwood.
A win would see Bengaluru displace United SC from the top of the table and what could help their pursuit is the Kolkata club’s injury list. Dutch coach Eelco Schattorie will be without Tapan Maity, Lal Kamal Bhowmick and Anupam Sarkar. Even Vineeth CK is a doubtful starter after missing Saturday’s training owing to flu. “We have a bit of a problem in the defence after these absentees. But we have come here for three points. Whatever happens in the game tomorrow, we will continue our race or fight back,” said Schattorie said the Dutchman.
He was all praise for the way Bengaluru FC have gone about their football but said his team have identified chances that will be taking on Sunday. “I like teams that play direct football and Bengaluru FC is one of them. Even the atmosphere in the stadium breeds football and it says a lot about the club.”
Thoi Singh returns in the midfield for Bengaluru after missing the Rangdajied game with a booking. Winger Malemnganba Meitei too has resumed training after a bout of flu kept him out of the game last weekend.
its all the way Bengaluru FC