I-League: Mohun Bagan host Pune FC in a tricky encounter for the hosts

Mohun Bagan entertain Pune FC in the round 16 clash of the I-League at the Barasat Municipal Stadium on Saturday evening in what is a make or break tie for Mariners coach Karim Bencharifa.

Pune won the first-leg fixture at home 2-0 back in October and thus will be looking to do the double over the Mariners. The league heads into a seven-week break after this weekend and Pune FC could go on top if they win and other results go their way. The Red Lizards are currently third and are three points behind leaders Bengaluru FC with a game in hand.

Meanwhile Mohun Bagan would just be happy to return to winning ways after failing to win in their last two matches. The green-and-maroon brigade are currently tenth and only five points above rock-bottom Churchill Brothers SC.

While Pune FC defeated United SC 2-1 in Kalyani in the last round, Mohun Bagan were beaten 1-0 at home at Saltlake by a young Dempo SC side and thus will be determined to bounce back immediately in front of their home fans.

The Kolkata giants need their club captain Odafe Okolie, who missed out the Calcutta Football League game against Aryan Club in midweek but is available again, to fire on all cylinders as the Nigerian has only scored once in six matches while having missed the other matches due to injury.

Coach Karim Bencherifa is expecting a tough game against one of the title contenders and will be without young midfielder Manish Bhargav, who has picked up a long-term injury ata Aryan’s.

2Pune FC are a quality side with a great blend of local and foreign talent. We have to start fresh and give a strong performance,” the Moroccan was quoted as saying.

Pune FC coach Mike Snoei has India international Arata Izumi back from suspension but the club’s highly talented academy product Nikhil Kadam is still absent due to injury. However their Dutch attacker Mustapha Riga, a former Bolton and Levante player, is in top form as he netted a match-winning brace against United SC last weekend.

Snoei’s side have won both their away matches against Kolkata clubs this season and Pune FC lead the head-to-head record in the I-League with three wins, four draws and two defeats. They need maximum points from this to maintain the pressure on table toppers Bengaluru FC.