I-League Media Team

PUNE: A severely depleted Bharat FC host in-form Bengaluru FC in the Round 19 match of the I-League football championship at the Balewadi Sports Complex ground here on Friday.

Coming in to the match after 1-1 draw against Shillong Lajong FC, Bharat FC will be looking to score past the defending champions Bengaluru, who haven’t done anything wrong so far despite playing in India and abroad.

The Lions’ coach Stuart Watkiss expected his team to display exemplary commitment against one of the most efficient teams in the competition.

“Yes we are not in the best of positions. We are missing three important players. We have had a few injuries. But I believe that a game like this is an opportunity for the other players in the squad to put their hands up,” Watkiss said on the eve of the match.

“The champions are in town and you need to relish these opportunities and make the most of them. You need to believe in yourself, your ability. I was happy with our display against Lajong, everyone battled hard. I expect them to do the same and some more tomorrow,” he said.

In the I-League table, Bharat FC occupy No 10 position with 12 points from 13 games. Bengaluru FC on the other hand are at No 3 position with 25 points thanks to awe-inspiring 2-0 win against Pune FC on Tuesday.

Bharat FC will be playing without captain Gouramangi Singh, first choice goalkeeper, Arindam Bhattacharya and central defender, Dharmaraj Ravanan—all picking up four yellow cards and suspended for one match.

Then there are injury worries. Right-back Mehrajuddin Wadoo has undergone corrective surgery after getting injured in the clash against Mohun Bagan on April 11.

New Zealand international striker, Kris Bright, is also battling a hamstring problem and is not expected to make the match-day squad.

The coach was, however, hoping that the squad he has at hand will perform to their best.

“We are definitely missing some mainstays but I believe the lads have enough in them to fight it out and get us a result. We have the one of the best defensive records in the league. Our organization has been good and we are disciplined,” he said.

“All these aspects need to come to the fore tomorrow. We cannot afford to commit mistakes against the champions but at the same time we do not need to be cowed down. I want my team to go out there, keep things simple but express themselves effectively,” he added.

Bengaluru FC on the other hand have a fully fit squad. India international striker Robin Singh will return from a one-game suspension that forced him to sit out against Pune FC.

“I don’t expect anything other than a resolute display from Bharat FC. They have a great defensive record and I am sure they will be very tough to break down. They have had a number of close games and we need to be on our guard,” said Bengaluru FC’s head coach Ashley Westwood.

Kick-off:  24-04-2015@ 7 PM
 

Hashtag: #KBFCvBFC