I-league 2017: Bengaluru FC - the midfield conundrum

Bengaluru FC began the defence of their I-league title with a flying start before stuttering to a drag

Is it time to explore an alternative set-up?

Could Shankar’s return signal a change for the better for the Blues?

Shankar Sampingiraj, back after an injury layoff and Malsawmzuala, the teenage sensation are the main options available to Roca if and when he does look out for alternatives in the system and/or personnel in the Blues’ midfield.

Both the Indian midfielders are capable of offering support to the defence when the need arises, but more importantly are comfortable enough on the ball to set off the team on an attack.

One of the two could also potentially play alongside Eugeneson, with Chhetri slotting in just behind Vineeth as the number 10.

This would free up captain marvel from working the flanks too much in order to help the defence, a luxury he could be afforded at the age of 32 in exchange for better performances on the other side of the pitch.

With just one point from the last three games, Bengaluru are in fifth place with 10 points, nine adrift of leaders East Bengal. The Blues have a game in hand, though, and take on Minerva FC – placed second from bottom – at the Kanteerava on Saturday evening.

A win would propel them to third place, behind only the stalwarts from Bengal but any other outcome could potentially have an adverse effect on their defence of the title.Will Albert Roca shuffle things up in the centre to optimise the potential of those at his disposal in order to stem the rot? We will have to wait and watch.

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Edited by Staff Editor
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