I-League: Pune FC out to strengthen position against Prayag

Kalyani (West Bengal) - Pune FC have their eyes set on maintaining their position on the league table when they face Prayag United Sports Club in the 15th round of I-League football here on Wednesday.

Pune are on a nine-match unbeaten run and will be hoping to round off their north-east and Kolkata mission without any hiccup.

“Yes, we’ve had a good run going into this match and we will try our best once again. Prayag are definitely a good side on paper despite the run they have had. The last that they played, they dominated and won the match late,” said Pune coach Derrick Pereira.

Prayag over the past two games have overhauled their line-up to get back on track. The 1-3 loss to Sporting Clube Goa led to Coach Eelco Schattorie making changes aplenty. Goalkeeper Subrata Paul made way for Kalyani-lad Sangram Mukherjee.

In defence, Nigerian Bello Rasaq returned from his two-game suspension, while Costa Rican playmaker Carlos Hernandez was back for the Dempo SC game. Japanese-New Zealander Kayne Vincent, who was out for long spell out with injury, and M.P.Sakeer, out with suspension, and and ex-Pune FC attacking midfielder Lester Fernandez, are also back in action.

With options aplenty, Pune have a virtually full-strength squad at their disposal.

Pune’s main job on the morrow will be keeping I-League top-scorer for the past two seasons Ranti Martins in check. Ranti currently leads the current season with 15 goals.

“Defensively we need to be compact. We will need to play well like we have done so far,” said Pereira.