Bengaluru FC host defending I-League champions Mohun Bagan in one of their biggest home matches of the new I-League season. The two sides clash on Super Saturday in the I-League Gameweek 8 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru.
Both sides occupy a spot in the top three at the moment, with the home side currently top of the table with 15 points garnered from seven games. The defending champions, who are unbeaten so far, are third with 11 points from five games.
Continuing the impressive form is definitely the target for the Kolkata side. The last time the two sides met in Bengaluru, history was made as the Indian football fans witnessed a dramatic final day of the I-League.
Mohun Bagan earned a draw in the final match of the I-League last season against Bengaluru FC, and that was enough to hand them their first-ever I-League title.
"When you are looking for the title, you have to win regardless of playing at home or away," Sanjoy Sen, Mohun Bagan coach, was quoted by the I-League website ahead of the match on Saturday. "You should target to win and earn as much as points as possible. We shall be looking for three points.
"Undoubtedly this match will be a tough one for us. They are top notch in every department. Bengaluru FC are the most consistent team in the last three years. They might lose a match, but they comeback strongly."
Bengaluru FC come into this game on the back of a massive 4-1 victory over newcomers DSK Shivajians, and BFC coach Ashley Westwood has said the the win beds real positivity for the team going ahead. Sunil Chhetri, Shankar, Kim Song Yong and Len Doungel were on the scoresheet for BFC in the game against the Shivajians.
"It's the sign of a good side. We aren't reliant on one or two players like some teams are. Our goals are shared across – Vineeth has a few, as do Sunil and Kim. Even Osano has a goal for himself," Westwood said in the pre-match press conference.
The English coach is also not worried too much with star midfielder Eugeneson Lyngdoh and Daniel Lalhlimpuia being sidelined with injuries. "We have a competitive squad. We have 24 outfield players and anyone can find themselves in the frame for the first team," Westwood asserted. "We looked at options the other night by making a few changes."
Meanwhile, Ranjan Singh and Udanta Singh are also unavilable for BFC, as the duo are currently featuring in the India U-23 side playing in South Asian Games 2016.
Where to watch live
Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan is scheduled to kick-off at 7:05 p.m. IST (6:35 p.m. PST, 1:35 p.m. GMT) on Saturday, February 13.
In India (and the rest of the Asian subcontinent), viewers can catch the game on Ten Action. Online streaming will be available on tensports.com.
Viewers in Germany, Austria, Russia, Switzerland and Gerogia can catch up with the game with online streaming will be available on LAOLA1.
Other countries can follow the I-League live scores on the I-League twitter handle.
