ISL 2017-18: PREVIEW: FC Pune City riding on their strong away record to see off Bengaluru FC

TWO TEAMS with a good recent form, face off at ‎Sree Kanteerava Stadium‎ in Benglauru on February 16.

Hosts Bengaluru FC have qualified for the playoffs in their maiden appearance in the tournament with three games to be played. FC Pune City will be hopeful to consolidate their position with a win.

Both teams have fantastic goal difference thanks to their ability to score goals and yet not concede at the same time.

Scoring has been led by a duo in both teams. For Bengaluru it has been Sunil Chhetri and Miku whereas Marcelinho and Alfaro have done it for FC Pune City. Each duo accounting for 12 or more goals between them.

The Federation Cup champions have an AFC Cup campaign going on in between their regular season. Coach Albert Roca have opted for a heavy rotation to keep both ISL and AFC Cup campaigns equally competitive. Bengaluru FC will play the home and final leg of the AFC Cup play-offs within 5 days of this ISL fixture.

Benglauru like to play compact to disallow the space to their opponents. Roca’s men are suited to converge from the wings and straight through the middle as well. FC Pune City push forward in two lines of attack. The trio of Marcelinho, Alfaro and Diego are usually followed up by Tebar and Adil who provide a defensive cover as well.

Proven scoring sides can cancel each other out in the midfield and may experiment with untried avenues for scoring in this game. Last time these two teams met, Bengaluru beat FC Pune City comprehensively at Pune’s Balewadi stadium.

FC Pune City may still see a near-full strength side being fielded in the match. The best away record in the Indian Super League this season belongs to FC Pune City. The Stallions have lost just one game on the road. Looking to take advantage of that feat and inch closer to sealing their first-ever playoffs spot, FC Pune City will pin hopes on their consistent performers.