Thursday , March 28 2024

ISL-4: FC Pune City gear up for Bengaluru FC challenge in semis!

FC Pune City host Bengaluru FC in the first leg of the first semifinal of the Indian Super League (ISL) 2017-18 at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex Stadium in Pune on Wednesday. The Stallions have had somewhat of an inconsistent season but will be making their semifinal appearance nonetheless. However, with enough firepower at their service, they would look to seize an advantage in their home leg. Pune though will be aware that their opponents have already beaten them at home this season. The Blues, on the other hand, have by far been the best team this season, and are unbeaten in their last eight matches, winning seven of those. However, they would be wary of the fact that Pune will not be an easy place to play in.

HEAD TO HEAD

FC Pune City 0–1 Bengaluru FC (1 draw)

KEY PLAYERS

Emiliano Alfaro (FC Pune City)

The Uruguayan has been the focal point of the Stallions’ attack throughout this season. His quick speed and poaching instincts combined with his clinical finishing and incisive passing has taken most teams to task in the league phase. Alfaro has netted nine times while also bagging a couple of assists, and he will look to be at his deadly best in a crucial home tie.

Miku (Bengaluru FC)

The Venezuelan has been free-scoring on a consistent basis, and almost always creates an opening with the ball at his feet. He is prolific in front of goal, and makes the most of any odd opportunity keeping the opposition defence on their toes for as long as he is on the pitch. Miku is the second-highest scorer in the league right now with 14 goals. Three of those goals came against Pune, and he will once more look to get on the scoresheet.

POTENTIAL STARTING LINEUPS

FC Pune City

Ranko Popovic will probably field a 4-2-3-1 formation that would add versatility to Pune’s gameplay in search for goals.

Goalkeeper: Vishal Kaith

Defenders: Sahil Panwar, Rafael Lopez, Manuel Jesus, Gurtej Singh

Midfielders: Marcos Tebar, Adil Khan, Marcelinho, Isaac Vanmalsawma, Ashique Kuruniyan

Forward: Emiliano Alfaro

Bengaluru FC

Albert Roca may counter with his own 4-2-3-1 formation, looking to keep Pune at bay while hitting them with their attacks.

Goalkeeper: Gurpreet Singh Sandhu

Defenders: Rahul Bheke, John Johnson, Juanan, Subhasish Bose

Midifelders: Sunil Chhetri, Erik Paartalu, Dimas Delgado, Lenny Rodrigues, Udanta Singh

Forward: Miku

KEY STAT

– Pune are the only team against whom Bengaluru have drawn a game

PREVIOUS ENCOUNTER

Bengaluru FC 1 – 1 FC Pune City (16th February 2018 at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru)

FORM GUIDE (Last five matches)

Bengaluru FC: W W D W W

FC Pune City: D L D W W

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