Bengaluru, May 16 (IANS): With the I-League having reached its business end, Bengaluru FC will be eager to strengthen their chances of retaining the title by extending their all-win record to six against a struggling Goan football side Salgaocar here on Sunday.
While the hosts are involved in a two-horse title race with Mohun Bagan with both teams tied on 32 points, Salgaocar, the once mighty outfit, are currently seventh in the 11-team league and need to win at least one of their remaining four matches to avoid relegation. Bengaluru have played 17 matches thus far to Bagan's 16 with the Kolkata giants slated to play Sporting Club de Goa on Saturday.
Thus, much of the attention though will be on Ashley Westwood's Bengaluru who need all the points they can get from their remaining three games to stake a strong claim for the crown. They would have been placed better but for a listless draw with lowly Shillong Lajong in their previous outing.
Keeping the I-League title in mind, Westwood rested some of his key players for the AFC Cup game against Indonesia's Persipura Jayapura earlier this week and would be hoping that the tactic would pay off on Sunday when he will be in a position to field his well rested stars.
Westwood's virtual second string was punished by Jayapura, who cruised to a 3-1 win and it remains to be seen whether Bengaluru would have regrouped from the drubbing.
In contrast, Derrick Pereira's Salgaocar have been enduring an up-and-down season. They suffered four back-to-back defeats before underlining their potential by pulling off a stunning away win over Royal Wahingdoh, who are presently third behind Bagan and Bengaluru FC with 30 points.
Salgaocar have also suffered with their key striker Darryl Duffy who has not been at his best due to injury concerns. Consequently, their Ivory Coast import Douhou Pierre has been forced to play a dual role as a midfielder and finisher.
Under the circumstances, Salgaocar would be happy even with a draw as they play two of the three matches thereafter at home, and every point will count in their endeavour to remain in top division.