BFC face DSK test
For the first time in their history, Bengaluru FC are watching the title race from outside at the tailend of the season. The Garden City club, who are in the midst of a transition season, have little but pride to play for when they host DSK Shivajians in the penultimate I-League clash at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium on Saturday.
The home side are fourth with 24 points from 16 games while DSK are seventh with 17 points.
While a top three finish is achievable for the Men in Blue, considering the fickle nature of East Bengal in third spot, it’s little but academic as finishing top three doesn’t provide any benefits to teams as such.
For the visitors however, a win will ensure safety from relegation. With last placed Mumabi FC five points adrift and the two teams separating them being exempt from relegation, DSK are not out of the woods yet, although Mumbai have shown little to warrant any serious concern.
For the home side, now with four wins on the bounce, it’s an opportunity to work on their game and keep up the momentum heading into the Federation Cup.
“The boys have been turning up with some very good performances and we’re looking to end the season well. More importantly, a good show and result tomorrow will play a big part in setting us up for the Fed Cup where a slot in the AFC Cup is at stake for the winner,” remarked coach Albert Roca.
They will line up without Serbian striker Marjan Jugovic who picked up a meniscus issue and looks set to miss the rest of the season. Juanan will also miss the match with suspension but the return of Sandesh Jhingan will be a welcome boost while Holicharan Narzary, who scored a double in the first leg, will be looking to make a mark again.
Meanwhile, DSK will be without attackers Seityasen Singh and Sumit Passi but will welcome former BFC striker Kim Song-Yong back from injury.