Bengaluru: Following a dream run of seven unbeaten matches at home, few would have expected Bengaluru Football Club to go wrong in their backyard, but it all came crashing down last week.
BFC tasted their first defeat at home, a bitter pill handed to them by the most decorated club in India-East Bengal.
The sight of seeing their team lose was disheartening for the fans, but BFC coach Ashley Westwood thinks otherwise.
“If anything, it’s a relief to be honest. Now there is no pressure, it’s like the monkey is off our back. Now we can play freely,” explained the Englishman.
It is with this positive mindset that the Garden City club will take on Salgaocar SC at the Bangalore Football Stadium on Saturday.
With 27 points from 14 matches, Westwood’s men have opened up a three points lead at the top as they host the side they defeated 2-1 late last month in an away contest.
“We have a good platform and are in a position to emerge on top. We hope we can keep the standards running,” asserted Westwood when asked of his title aspirations.
While Sean Rooney has been in fine form throughout the season, lately Sunil Chhetri has come into his own on the left wing.
Robin Singh, who has been on the periphery for most of the time, can add to the already potent attack with a more physical and aerial threat.
With John Johnson back in the mix after serving his one match suspension, the BFC outfield will be back to his full strength.
While the ‘Men of Steel’ have had a stellar debut run so far, Salgaocar’s fortunes have fluctuated. After a good start to the campaign, the Goan side’s performance has gone south, having been without a win for the past six games. The away side will want to make a comeback.
“We are creating a lot of chances but not finishing and making silly mistakes at the back,” said Salgaocar coach Derrick Pereira while revealing that the club is on the lookout for new recruits.
In this contest they will be without injured Karma Tsewang but with Gilberto, captain Francis Fernandes and former Swansea striker Darryl Duffy in their ranks, they have plenty of options to go forward.
Salgaocar, who are currently placed fifth on the points table, lost their home encounter against BFC through goals from John Menyongar and Beikhokhei Beingaichho.
A win at home would be the perfect Christmas present for BFC, who will be going into a two-month break after this weekend’s clash. On the other hand, an away victory will be a welcome boost and sweet revenge for the Vasco side.
