I-League: Pune FC look to build on unbeaten home run; host East Bengal

Going into the game on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Salgaocar FC, Pune FC will be looking to overcome the challenge of a hectic schedule as they play their third game in a span of eight days.

For Pune FC, the game carries added significance with the fact they have been winless against East Bengal in the last seven games. Moreover, with their last win over East Bengal coming in April 2011, Pune FC will be eager to get their first victory in four years.

Nonetheless, the clash between fourth placed Pune FC (20 pts) and fifth place East Bengal (16 pts) will be an interesting one with both sides chasing the top three.

Meanwhile, Pune FC will be hoping to build on their unbeaten home run which has seen them win four and draw three of their seven home games this season. The 15 points earned thus puts them second only behind leaders Mohun Bagan (19 pts, 7 matches) in performance in home games.

Furthermore, a win also gives Pune FC a chance to move up into the second place in the standings making the three points at stake on Saturday crucial and Coach Karim Bencherifa wants his side to be ready for the challenge.

“So far the boys have handled every situation like a professional and have done their job. The fact that we are still unbeaten at home is a big positive. Also we got an important result in the midweek against Salgaocar and that gives us a big boost going into the game against East Bengal,” said Coach Bencherifa on the sidelines of a training session at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Friday.

He further added, “East Bengal is a strong side. They boast one of the best squads if not the best squad in the I-League and we are expecting a tough match.”

Going into the game, Pune FC will be banking on attackers Darko Nikac, Thongkhosiem Haokip and Ryuji Sueoka to fire up front. The trio who were out of the team due to injuries and national team camp for a long time, have settled in well in recent matches and are getting better in terms of combining in the attacking third with every game.

The Pune FC backline led by goalkeeper Amrinder Singh along with skipper Anas Edathodika, Luciano Sabrosa, Mathew Gonsalves and Raju Yumnam will also be looking for their second clean sheet in a row after a solid performance against Salgaocar in the midweek.

On the team news front, Coach Bencherifa will have the majority of the squad available for selection barring Edgar Marcelino and Dhanpal Ganesh. While Edgar is out with an injury, Ganesh will serve his final game of a two match suspension for a direct red card.

Visitors East Bengal come into the game on the back of a 3-0 win over Bharat FC at the Balewadi Stadium and thus will be accustomed to the conditions.

The Eelco Schattorie-led side will be banking heavily on the strike pair of I-League top-scorer Ranti Martins (13 goals) and Dudu Omagbemi (3 goals). The duo were on the scoresheet against Bharat FC on Wednesday and will provide a tough challenge for the Pune FC defense.

Meanwhile, Milan Susak and Leo Bertos will also be the key players in the lineup which boasts experienced players like Mehtab Hossain, Lalrindika Ralte and Arnab Mondal.

Over the years both sides have faced off twelve times with Pune FC logging just two wins compared to the opponents’ eight. However, in five games at the Balewadi Stadium, Pune FC have logged one win compared to East Bengal’s two. Thus Pune FC will be eager to improve their record and break their jinx when they host the Kolkata side on Saturday.

The match kicks off at 7.00 PM IST on Saturday and will be LIVE on Ten Action.

FORM RUN (Last Five Matches)
Pune FC (4th, 20 pts): W-D-L-D-W
East Bengal (5th, 16 pts): W-L-L-D-W

HEAD-2-HEAD

19/04/14 – IL – Pune FC 1-2 East Bengal at Pune
12/04/14 – IL – East Bengal 3-1 Pune FC at Kolkata
25/01/13 – IL – Pune FC 1-2 East Bengal at Pune
29/10/12 – IL – East Bengal 1-0 Pune FC at Kolkata
14/01/12 – IL – Pune FC 0-0 East Bengal at Pune
09/11/11 – IL – East Bengal 3-1 Pune FC at Kolkata
19/09/11 – FEC – East Bengal 2-1 Pune FC at Kolkata
18/04/11 – IL - Pune FC 2-1 East Bengal at Pune
08/01/11 – IL – East Bengal 1-0 Pune FC at Kolkata
25/09/10 – FEC – East Bengal 1-0 Pune FC at Cuttack
02/03/10 – IL – East Bengal 1-2 Pune FC at Kolkata
03/10/09 – IL – Pune FC 0-0 East Bengal at Pune