Pune: Pune FC looking to open their final assault on a winning note when they host Shillong Lajong FC in an I-League 2012-13 Round 21 encounter at the Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi, on Sunday.
The hosts go into the game after registering their biggest-ever win while beating United Sikkim FC 6-1 in their final IFA Shield group match.
On the other hand, Pune FC will definitely be confident after they beat Lajong for the first time in the Round 13 fixture earlier in the season.
Pune FC coach Derrick Pereira says, “We are looking at nothing less than a win. The team has shaped up well particularly after a drop in form during our campaign before the break.”
“It’s always nice to begin on a good note. A win will help us with the momentum needed in our final assault. To me this is important.”
Both teams have met twice in Pune in the top-flight and played out a draw each time. In 2009-10, the Lajong team coached by Stanley Rozario held Pune FC to a 1-1 draw, while the league opener in 2011-12 against the Pradhyum Reddy coached Lajong ended goalless.
Since both team’s promotion to the top flight in 2009, all matches they have played have been close. A majority of the games have been draws, and neither team has managed to win by more than a goal and the game on the morrow expects to be a similar test.
The Lajong side travelling this time, is being coached by long-serving assistant coach Thangboi Singto after Des Bulpin was sacked due to poor run of results by the north-east side.
With the team returning to a more fluid attractive attacking style in a bid to pull away from the relegation battle they are involved in, they've picked up vital points in recent matches against fellow bottom-dwellers United Sikkim FC and Air India.
The opponents will be fresh when they take the field on Sunday as they haven’t been involved in any competition in the 45-day league-break. Pune FC on the other hand was involved in the IFA Shield where they felt short of making the semifinals.
“Our preparation leading into the game has been good. In the IFA Shield we played some good matches, barring Mohun Bagan and I must say that most players are fitter,” adds Pune FC Coach.
The break has also given time for Lajong to help their new foreign recruits acclimatise to the conditions. Japanese duo of attacking midfielder Taisuke Matsugae and attacker Sho Kamimura (brought in for Johnny Menyongar and Ebi Sukore in the January window) have already made a couple of appearances and Kamimura has already netted twice in the league.
Pune FC Coach says, “Shillong Lajong as a team has a couple of new players, which we have not seen the last time we played. The inclusions have helped their attacking, which will need to be looked in to.”
Additionally, on-loan Blackburn Rovers Reserve striker Edinho of Portugal replaces Nigerian Friday Gbeneme, will be in line for his debut. The new recruits definitely add to Lajong’s arsenal.
The rest of the Lajong squad is virtually settled, with Lalthuammawia Ralte in goal, captain William Passah leading the defence, fit-again playmaker Lal Ramluaha in midfield joined by the in-favour Boithang Haokip.
With the Japanese attacking midfielders Taisuke and Sho supplying balls for Edinho and ex-India striker Sushil Singh, the game expects to be an entertaining one for fans between two attacking sides.
Meanwhile for the home side, winger Velington Rocha is probably the only injury-concern and fellow winger Nikhil Kadam is leading the Under-20s in Jamshedpur. Rest of the squad is fit and will be available for selection.
The hosts welcome back the India trio of Gurjinder Kumar, Arata Izumi and Jeje Lalpekhlua who were rested in the IFA Shield following the national team commitments and will be raring to go.
Gurjinder returns from the suspension, as he had missed the last I-League game before the break against Mumbai FC for a sending off.
Striker Boima 'Jerry' Karpeh will be in-line to make his I-League debut for Pune FC. The forward has been among the goals in the Peninsula Pune Cup and the IFA Shield and the competitions have helped him sharpen his fitness also helping him gel with his new team-mates.
For Pune FC too, the game's vital as the hosts need a positive result to keep the pressure on the 3 teams above them in the table (or even move into the Top-3 if other results of the round go their way).
The match kick-off is slated for a 7.00 pm kick off.