The defending champions will look to move on from opening day blues as they host Pune FC in this week’s I-League encounter. Bengaluru opened their campaign against Dempo FC in a goalless draw in Bangalore Football stadium.
Both the teams squared up against each other in Fed Cup just couple of weeks ago where Bengaluru edged past 2-1 Pune at Balewadi Sports Complex. Pune too, are coming on the back of a 1-1 draw against a Goan side in Salgaocar SC.
The champs are coming off an impressive run as they will look to build upon their Federation Cup triumph. Pune have proved a tough nut for Bengaluru to crack and this time too, they will provide a stern test. We all are aware what Ashley Westwood’s boys are capable of and they surely would love to get all the three points at home against Pune.
Both the teams boast of formidable attacks and surely will look to play out an open game where we can see some goals flying. Sunil Chettri and Co. will look to get on their scoring boots on and get their title defence up and running.
Team News –
Bengaluru will look to maintain the balance in their lineup by naming an unchanged side as they have most settled eleven amongst all the teams. But we may see a change in tactics after being held by a tight Dempo defence.
Pune may start their marquee player Darko Naric, who made a substitute appearance in their opener against Salgaocar. The Montenegrin will bring in much needed bite in the attack especially against a defense like Bengaluru.
Probable Lineups
Bengaluru FC - Osano, James Johnson, Lalthuammawia,Pereira, Anto, Lyngdoh,Beingaichho, Thoi Singh, Sunil Chhetri, Sean Rooney, Robin Singh
Pune FC- Pune FC: Amrinder (GK), Raju, Ralte, Luciano, Matthew, Arata (C), Ganesh, Lalramluaha, Anthony, Darko, Sueoka
Live Telecast will be from 7:00pm IST on Ten Action in Indian subcontinent.
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