Hero I-League: DSK Shivajians FC vs DSK Shivajians FC – Match preview

by FC Admin April 6, 2016

PUNE: DSK Shivajians FC have an enviable task at hand of plugging spokes into the run of Bengaluru FC and inevitably the visitors’ will go all out to take another step closer to win their second Hero I-League trophy after claiming it in their debut season in 2013-14.

DSK Shivajians have done well winning three of the six matches played at the Balewadi Sports Complex Stadium so far including the momentary wins against Kingfisher East Bengal and Sporting Clube de Goa in their last two matches played.

“This is the second-last home match and I am hoping to do well. We have no worries about injuries. We will go with the same squad as it played in the last two matches,” said DSK Shivajians coach Derrick Pereira.

Ahead of the Round 15 encounter, the Shivajians are at the seventh position in the table with 13 points, while Bengaluru is second with 25 points, just one shy of Mohun Bagan, who lead the table after drawing 2-2 against Shillong Lajong FC today.

DSK Shivajians have four matches remaining and though it seems difficult to make it to top four, the coach surely is aiming to finish at the top five.

“I am confident that we are going to have better results. It is still possible to finish in top 5 though the road is very tough. We need to be alert all the time and we need to work hard,” Pereira said when asked what would be the ideal goal in the given situation.

DSK Shivajians have been unbeaten in last five including two wins and three draws. Bengaluru FC meanwhile, have won three, drawn one and lost one.

“Last match we were not as sharp as we should have been. We took a bit time to settle down, but it is better to have one point that no point,” said Pereira.

This contest is key for both sides as maximum points from this encounter could see either of two jump places in the league table. The home team would count on their front three to deliver while the visitors would expect their midfielders to take them over the line.

Bengaluru FC have quietly been going on about their business this season. Ashley Westwood’s Bengaluru FC are within touching distance of the league leaders and they have already started to sense their second Hero I-League trophy in three years.

Time and again Ashley has banked on Eugenson Lyngdoh and Thoi Singh to build up the game from the midfield and the Indian duo has reciprocated well. Sunil Chhetri’s late inclusion to the squad may just be the boost the side needs to overcome the resurgent Shivajians who have roared in their den for the last couple of games.

It will be a spectacle as the two experienced coaches, with different tactics, go head to head tomorrow. Westwood would hold the psychological advantage over Pereira due to his team’s win earlier this season, but on their day, the Shivajians can topple any opponents.

The last fixture of round 15 will be telecast live on Ten 2 at 7:05 PM.

by ileague media