After indifferent results from the last gameweek, Pune FC and Bengaluru FC go to battle in a clash that’s touted to be fast, entertaining and more importantly, crucial , given that a point separates the two sides on the I-League table. Both teams have much at stake, more so after league leaders Salgaocar drew 2-2 against Rangdajied United on Tuesday giving the
The hosts were handed their first loss, a 2-0 defeat, at Sporting Clube de Goa last week on a day when Bengaluru squandered the chance to surge ahead when they drew with Mumbai FC.
“It’s going to be a great game, a top three clash. It’s a game between two teams who are having a good season and who like to play an entertaining game,” said Westwood.
Though disappointed with last week’s 2-2 draw against Mumbai FC where Bengaluru conceded in the last minute of added time, Westwood said the team aren’t going into the game against Pune with any pressure. “We are obviously disappointed with the way the game unfolded but I’ve always told the boys that we will have our emotions in check – win or lose. We are a new side and there’s absolutely no pressure on the team,” he added.
An engaging sub-plot to the game will be the clash between Pune FC’s stingy defence that has let in just 3 goals in six games and Bengaluru FC’s Australian striker Sean Rooney who has been consistent, scoring six goals in seven games.
Westwood has a completely fit squad at his disposal while Pune’s English defender Calum Angus is back in the reckoning after limping off early in the game against Sporting Clube. The hosts will also be without first-choice ’keeper Amrinder Singh after he was sent off in Goa last week, paving the way for Shahinlal Meloly on the squad. The game kicks off at 6.30 pm.
By Kunaal Majgaonkar
