Bangalore: Bengaluru FC return to their fortress in the Bangalore Football Stadium after a winless away campaign of three matches when they take on Sporting Clube de Goa in a 3 p.m. kick-off Saturday in the Airtel I-League.
Bengaluru, making their I-League debut, had started well with three wins and a draw, but their record was blotted by two defeats and a draw in the three away games that followed.
After eight games, the hosts and Sporting are tied on 14 points, but Bengaluru have a one-goal advantage that at this stage of the competition could mean very little.
“The results may have not gone our way but the performances have been good. On another day, the outcome of those games could have been different. But that's done now, it's finished. We are focused for the game on Saturday,” said Bengaluru FC coach Ashley Westwood.
Adding intrigue to the battle is the result of Friday's game between league leaders Salgaocar (18 points) and second-placed Pune FC (17). The teams drew 1-1 that left both Bengaluru and Sporting with a chance to move to joint second should they win.
Bengaluru would be looking to maintain their near-flawless record at home and Westwood would be hoping that while the team sustains the attacking brand of football, striker Sean Rooney's impressive form would continue.
Also, skipper Sunil Chhetri is fresh from scoring twice in India's 2-0 win over Nepal in a friendly last week, though he said would focus his energies Saturday's game.
“Thank you for all your wishes, but for me, the focus is now on the next game. Sporting Clube is a good side that's doing well in the League, but it's more about how we play. We can't wait to get back to winning ways,” said Chhetri.
Sporting coach Oscar Bruzon was assertive in his intent of walking away from Bangalore with three points and pointed out that his side was riding high on morale.
“What's our game plan? Three full points. That's what we are here for. Our morale is high, but we also realise our weaknesses. We have been watching clips of Bengaluru FC and have little doubt that they will be a good rival and it will be a good game,” said Bruzon.
