Bharat FC looks to pass Bengaluru FC test in first ever away clash

A rejuvenated Bharat FC will take on Bengaluru FC in the Pune-based club’s first ever away game in the Hero I-League on Sunday, February 8th at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bangalore. The match will kick-off at 7 pm and will be telecast live on ten action. Bharat FC has garnered one point from their two games and occupies the ninth spot on the 11-team table. Bengaluru FC are perched on the seventh spot with four games from four matches.

Bharat FC opened their inaugural Hero I-League campaign with a creditable 0-0 draw against Dempo SC before slipping to an unlucky 1-2 loss to promoted side Royal Wahingdoh FC at home.

Bharat FC’s head coach, Stuart Watkiss, said that the game against Bengaluru FC was the perfect occasion for his players to show everyone what they are made of. “This past week has done us good. We have had some really fruitful training sessions, the intensity in these sessions has been very impressive and I think they boys are completely ready to go out and express themselves on Sunday night,” he said.

Bengaluru FC, the defending champions, have not had the best start to their I-League campaign, having picked up just one win in four matches. Their last two home games have produced a goalless draw and a defeat. However, the Blues put out a commanding display, last Saturday, putting four goals past Royal Wahingdoh FC. The side from Bengaluru has had a busy schedule, having only returned from Malaysia on Thursday after going down 2-1 to Johor Darul Ta’zim in an Asian Champions League play-off.

Watkiss however believes that his team has a good chance against the defending champs. “Bengaluru have just returned from a rather draining trip to Malaysia. There will definitely be a few tired bodies in their camp. We need to ensure that we are at our very best and take the chances that we create. We cannot afford to be wasteful as we are facing a champion side but with the work that we have put in over the last 12 days, I am absolutely confident of my players’ ability to rise to the occasion,” he said.

Bharat FC has their entire squad fit and ready for selection. Captain, Gouramangi Singh, has recovered from a hamstring strain while Lester Fernandez, the 28-year-old midfielder, makes the Bharat FC match-day squad for the first time this season. New signing, Syed Rahim Nabi, has also been included in the 18-man squad and is tipped to make his debut. Watkiss said that the 29-year-old Nabi’s addition was a big boost to the team. “Nabi is a very versatile player and most importantly, he gives us a great option at left-back. That particular position has been something of a problem for us but with Nabi coming in, we are confident that we have found a solution,” he said.

Bengaluru FC head coach, Ashley Westwood, said that the morale in the Bengaluru FC camp was high and he had no injury concerns to worry about. “The lads were down a little after Malaysia but we have had a good two days. Recovery has been good and we have done our homework. I am looking forward to a good game tomorrow,” said Westwood.