Pune: After two consecutive draws, Pune FC will be keen for a win when they face United SC in an I-League football round 12 encounter at the Balewadi Sports Complex here Sunday.
Back in familiar surrounds, Pune FC over the past two rounds locked out with back-to-back away draws (v/s Salgaocar FC and Dempo SC) in tough conditions. The results have made an effect on Pune FC's standings after working hard to line up a chance to steer into clear leadership.
Pune FC Coach, Mike Snoei, said: “Sometimes you need to be content with one point and look forward to play better than the last game.”
The home game on the morrow, thus, turns out to be important, purely with an eye on independent leadership. Currently Pune FC (18 points) share a three-way tie, along with Salgaocar FC and Bengaluru FC, for the top-spot. However, by virtue of goal difference Pune FC drops down to third rank on the League table.
Having missed out on top-spot opportunity twice, Pune FC with consecutive home games in the schedule will want to make the most of the home support and provide reason enough to cheer.
The fact that Pune FC has won all four home games this season while keeping clean sheets, is enough motivation for them to look ahead to when up against their Kolkata rivals. Moreover, Pune FC have never lost to the visitors in an I-League home encounter over four seasons having logged three wins and a draw.
“Our ambition is to win, play well and continue to push ourselves. I am looking forward to the game. The game will be also against my country man (Eelco Schattorie),” Snoei added.
The visitors come into the game after a good run of results. Two wins and a draw helped them secure seven points from the last three games compared to Pune FC who earned five.
United SC, however, started the season suffering financial problems. But, the Kolkata side has soldiered on to a respectable place in the league, in-spite of only commencing pre-season in September.
Despite many high-profile players departing over the summer, United SC have managed to retain a few top players while adding another few.
At the heart of the visitor's team is their foreign quartet. Upfront, a total of nine goals have been contributed by Nigerian Ranti Martins (4) and Liberian Eric Brown (5). The duo will definitely keep the Pune FC defense on their toes.
