Kolkata, May 16 (IANS): Pune FC will be looking for a change in fortunes when they face East Bengal in a crucial I-League game at the Barasat Stadium here on Sunday.
The rescheduled Round 10 encounter will be an important one for Pune FC who will be looking for a win after back-to-back losses at the Balewadi Stadium in the previous three games. The clash will be the second time both sides face off in a little over a month; and given the fact that the first leg ended 3-2 in favour of East Bengal, Pune FC will be eager to settle scores this time around.
Currently fifth in the standings, Pune FC (23 points) are just three points behind fourth-placed East Bengal (26). A win would not just bring Pune FC level on points with their opponents but will also pull them away from the chasing pack and consolidate their top-5 position, making the three points on offer crucial. Going into the game on the back of a poor run, Pune FC will be keen to get a positive result.
"The game against East Bengal will be a tough one. They have a very good squad with top attackers. But we have worked hard and are ready for this challenge," Pune FC assistant coach Gift Raikhan said.
On the team news front, Pune FC will be missing the services of defender and skipper Anas Edathodika, who is out with a hamstring injury. Joining him on the sidelines are Prakash Thorat and Lalrempuia Fanai.
"We do have a few injury problems and some players will be missing from action. However, the atmosphere in the team is very good. The boys are positive and will give their best and I hope they will rise to the occasion," added Raikhan.
Meanwhile, Pune FC will be boosted by the return of key midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh, who is back after serving his one match suspension for four yellow cards, and Ishfaq Ahmed, who returns after a long injury lay off. The addition of the duo will certainly add some stability.
Furthermore, having failed to score a goal in the last three games, Pune FC will depend heavily on their strike force led by Thongkhosiem Haokip, Darko Nikac and Ryuji Sueoka to fire up front.
On the other hand, East Bengal come into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw against Kitchee SC in Hong Kong midweek after a 0-3 away loss to Bengaluru FC in I-League.
The Eelco Schattorie-led side will be banking heavily on the strike pair of I-League top-scorer Ranti Martins (16) and Dudu Omagbemi (6). The duo have contributed 22 out of the 25 goals scored by East Bengal in this campaign and will provide a good challenge for the Pune FC backline led by Luciano Sabrosa and Zohmingliana Ralte. The likes of Harmanjot Khabra, Milan Susak, Leo Bertos and Mehtab Hossain will also add to the experience.