Fatorda (Goa), Jan 16 (IANS): Pune FC will be up against familiar foes Salgaocar FC in their 2015 I-League opener at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium here Saturday.
Incidentally, the league's first game is also the second time both sides face off in 10 days and the third competitive clash between the two sides this season.
Having already faced the Goan side twice in the coastal state this season, Pune FC will be familiar with Salgaocar's game-plan. Nonetheless, a win will be extremely crucial for Pune FC given the fact that they were unlucky to lose both the hard fought games against Salgaocar.
Furthermore, the clash will also be an important one for both sides as a win in the opening game will set them on a right path going into a busy five-month period.
“It is always a pleasure to play against Salgaocar. We had two good games with them in this season already. Even though we lost, we dominated the second half. Even though we are missing a few players, I do have faith in all my players and we are hoping for a good game tomorrow,” said coach Bencherifa at the Nehru Stadium Friday.
Having ended their Federation Cup campaign after a hard fought 1-3 loss to Salgaocar FC in the final group game, Pune FC will seek revenge on the morrow. Moreover, having fallen short of securing a win against Salgaocar in the last five meetings, Pune FC will be eager to set the record straight.
Pune FC go into the crucial game having lost back-to-back games for the first time in this season in the Federation Cup and thus approach the game with the sole aim of bouncing back with a win.
On the team news front, Pune FC will continue to miss services of a number of important players like Prakash Thorat and skipper Anas Edathodika apart from Bineesh Balan and Lalrempuia Fanai due to injuries. However, the team has been boosted by the addition of a few players which includes experienced Ishfaq Ahmed who arrives on loan and will provide options around the field.
Joining him will be recently signed marquee striker Darko Nikac who will be in line to make his debut against Salgaocar. The Montenegrin striker arrived here Thursday and has trained with the team ahead of the opener.
The backline will once again be led by defender Luciano Sabrosa while playmaker Ryuji Sueoka will provide the creativity upfront as Arata Izumi leads the team on the field.
Hosts Salgaocar come into the game after semi-final loss in the Federation Cup against Goan side Dempo SC after logging three consecutive wins in the group stage.
The Goan side will once again bank on the foreign trio of Douhou Pierre, Daryll Duffy and Francis Kasonde to lead the on the field along with the likes of Rocus Lamare, Gurjinder Kumar and Subrata Paul.
Over the years, both sides have faced off 14 times in all competitions winning six games each. However, Pune FC do have the upper hand in I-League encounters with five wins compared to Salgaocar's three and will hope to build on that.