ISL: Pulsating Pune-Bengaluru Battle on Cards

Pune , October 21: Looking to register a win in the ongoing Indian Super League (ISL), FC Pune City will have an uphill task against Bengaluru FC at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium, Pune, on Monday.

The Stallions, who are languishing at the ninth spot on the table, have been able to pick up just a solitary point from the first two away games.

Pune coach Miguel Angel Portugal said, "Bengaluru FC is the best team in India. They are playing the second season with almost the same players. They have changed only two-three players. That is very important. Albert Roca has gone but Carles Cuadrat is the same. It is important to follow a continuous philosophy."

Pune have failed to secure a victory against Bengaluru so far. Pune had bowed out to the same team in the previous edition's playoffs.

"We are preparing the match very well. We know their strengths and weaknesses very well. We have our ideas and we know the plan how to pick up a win," said Portugal.

The Spanish coach is banking on his elite duo of Emiliano Alfaro and Marcelinho to strike in the clash against last season's runners-up. A goal drought has been Pune's undoing in the campaign with two games yielding only one. They have made 21 attempts on goal, but to no avail with worst conversion rate among all teams - just 4.76 per cent.

In stark contrast, Bengaluru FC had a roller-coaster run in their debut campaign last season. But, the start under new coach Carles Cuadrat has not been convincing.

Bengaluru notched up an impressive victory over defending champions Chennaiyin FC in opener. However, they were held at home by Jamshedpur FC.

Bengaluru will look to continue their impressive away form from last season where they won seven out of nine matches.

"Games against Pune City have always been tough and I expect nothing different this time around. I met Miguel (Portugal) during our course to renew our UEFA licenses in Madrid two weeks ago and he mentioned how pleased he was with the attacking options he has at his disposal. They will look to turn a corner against us and we need to be cautious enough," said Cuadrat.

Cuadrat has at his disposal one of the most lethal pairs in the league - Miku and Sunil Chhetri. Both men have already registered a goal each in the new campaign and they will be licking their lips in anticipation in what will be a clash against their 'favourite' opposition. (ANI)

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