by
Pune FC face a New Year test to get off to a positive start apart from logging a first-ever win over Kolkata’s Mohun Bagan AC during their I-League game at the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi on Tuesday.
To achieve that Pune FC has so far done well to pace their run by carrying forward a six-match unbeaten run, which by far turns out to be the second best by any team this season after Dempo SC’s seven.
Fact is, when both Pune FC and Bagan get down to business in this first-leg concluding Round-13 encounter the battle will of two unbeaten teams! The visitors themselves have not blinked in five previous games.
To the statistical mind, Bagan with Prasanta Banerjee as coach turns out to be the fifth coach for the Kolkata side to lead the side against Pune FC.
“It’s a tough match,” opines Pune FC Coach Derrick Pereira, who attributes his reading to Bagan sporting good back up players in their midst despite some exclusions from their side.
Pune FC currently fifth on the league table with 19 points have faced Bagan five times before and two losses including one at home when the sides met for the first time in the city remain a memory that all at home will like to be wiped out.
“We are prepared and ready for them,” the coach adds. “The players are eager and with opposition (Bagan) they are all motivated to put on a good show.”
With a yield of 14 points over six matches, Pune FC Coach is unperturbed about the unexpected draw in the last game against Pailan Arrows. “It (the game) was in a a different situation and is not at all a worry. It is situational and these things happen off and on.”
While no injuries just a few niggles, there it is likely Pune FC will not make changes unless necessary and depending on the think-tank.
For Pune FC the game at home will be their seventh and enjoy remaining unbeaten in five games (three wins and 2 draws) apart from a loss, whereas Bagan so far in away matches have the similar wins but have 2 losses as well.
PFC Coach adds, “My advice to my players would be to stick with the basics. Keep it simple and concentrate on attacks. Cause playing to potential will get us to the goal.”
With the home side hoping to take heart from the confidence they have the game will also serve as an interesting contest on several fronts.
The match will kick-off at 6.30 pm.
FORM RUN (Last 5 matches)
Pune FC: (5th; 19 points): D-W-D-W-W
Mohun Bagan (3rd; 24 points): W-D-D-W-D
HEAD-2-HEAD
21/03/11 IFS Mohun Bagan 2-0 Pune FC
12/02/11 IL Mohun Bagan 0-0 Pune FC
03/12/10 IL Pune FC 1-1 Mohun Bagan
10/03/10 IL Mohun Bagan 0-0 Pune FC
13/11/09 IL Pune FC 1-3 Mohun Bagan
