Following a home defeat, Bengaluru FC have set their sights on the pole position again in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL) as they host Jamshedpur FC in a clash of debutants in Bengaluru on Thursday.
Having placed second in the points table, Bengaluru are locked with FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC with 12 points each. After playing six games, the home team has registered four victories.
The former I-League champions started off with a bang, but are beginning to show signs of weariness, and will be playing their third match in seven days.
In the current scenario, the onus will be on coach Albert Roca and players such as skipper Sunil Chhetri, Miku and Udanta Singh to seize the initiative with an early goal.
The Spaniard would also like to take remedial steps by learning from video footages of how the opponents have been trying to breach Bengaluru's defence.
After missing Erik Paartalu in the last game, fans would be hoping for his return, which would lend solidity in the midfield. Most likely to benefit from this is Miku, who has found the net six times.
Chhetri and company have enough depth in their side to surprise Jamshedpur.
Steve Coppel's side would like to bank on solid defence being provided by Tiri and Andre Bikey.
So far, Jamshedpur have conceded just one goal and scored one, which came from a set piece.
(With PTI inputs)
