On paper, this one looks like a no-brainer. An in-form Bengal Warriors will be keen to in closer to Patna at the top of the points table in Zone B. Only seven points separate both of them with Patna having played an additional match.
Bengal's opponents for tonight will be a side that has struggled since day one of Pro Kabaddi League Season 5. Having won just four matches out of their fifteen, the Bulls find themselves a massive 20 points behind Bengal.
Yet for all their tepid performances and uninspired defending, the Bulls surprisingly still find themselves in the reckoning for a playoff spot. Unlike Zone A, Zone B continues to be extremely competitive.
Apart from Bengal and Patna, none of the other teams have been able to break away from the pack. As a result, things still seem unclear in Zone B. But if the Bulls are to seriously fight for a playoff spot, they ought to begin their pursuit tonight.
They put on a brave performance against Patna in their last outing, falling short by just four points. Now whether that was down to Patna's complacency or Bengaluru's quality is an open-ended debate.
Bengal, on the other hand, haven't tasted defeat in their last three matches. The head into this encounter on the back of a win sandwiched between two well-earned draws. The Warriors have rarely put a foot wrong this season.
Their aggressive approach has paid dividends as they now find themselves on the brink of qualification. Getting the better of Bengaluru shouldn't be a herculean task by any means. Yet, the Bulls have shown that they can give a good run for their money.
Rohit Kumar and co. realize that with qualification still on the horizon, they now have to go big or go home. As a result, expect them to play with freedom and intent against Bengal tonight.
Bengaluru Bulls vs Bengal Warriors match prediction
Bengal no doubt start as favourites for this match and will in all probability go on to dominate proceedings from the get-go. However, if they do take their foot off the pedal, the Bulls have the ability to hurt them.
The Warriors cannot afford to take their opponents lightly for if they do, they might find themselves at the wrong end of the result at the end of forty minutes. Bengal look good to edge this one.