I-League 2017: Bengaluru FC vs East Bengal Preview, Prediction and Team News
Defending champions Bengaluru FC host table toppers East Bengal in the marquee clash of the I-league on 25th January at the Sree Kanteravaa Stadium in Bangalore.
Setting the scene:
The champions who came into this competition as the favourites are currently struggling, enduring a six game winless streak and have gone three weeks without a win. The sudden loss of form must be a worry for coach Albert Roca, who was appointed with the aim of bringing a Spanish tactical revolution, considering he was previously the assistant coach of European giants Barcelona.
It's a fixture that's provided moments of magic and madness! Tonight, all roads lead to the Kanteerava for #BFCvKEB. #NeverSurrender pic.twitter.com/PrgrxSt38j
Roca made some bold changes in their games, dropping key player, Indian international Eugeneson Lyngdoh for their last game, as he looked to bring about a change. The lack of goals scored by his team is a major worry despite star striker Sunil Chettri coming into some kind of form over the past couple of games.
⚡� Skipper Sunil Chhetri spoke about the big game, goals, performances and more! #AskTheBlueshttps://t.co/DpLYmwfrHJ
The Blues currently find themselves placed fifth on the table with 13 points and will know that they need a win here to get their title defence back on track.
Indian footballing giants East Bengal might be on top of the table at the moment, but all is not well in terms of performances with their last win in the competition coming on 5th of February.
The reverse fixture that took place in #Kolkata saw BFC taking the leading and then capitulating! #BFCvKEB #Indianfootball @Akarsh_Official pic.twitter.com/E0kW0K26YV
The Reds and Golds have not looked at their best in recent times, with coach Trevor Morgan unhappy with their performances during their defeat to Aizawl in the last game.
Injury to key players like Willis Plaza, Rahul Bheke and Arnab Mondal have not helped, but it is up to Morgan to ensure that they come out with a win here, considering their great domestic rivals Mohun Baganare breathing down their neck on the table.
Team News and Injury Updates:
Bengaluru FC: John Johnson, Rino Anto, Gursimrat Singh Gill, Lalchhuanmawia Fanai and Lalthuammawia Ralte will miss the clash due to injuries.
East Bengal: Willis Plaza, Rahul Bheke, Arnab Mondal, Cavin Lobo and Bikash Jairu will miss the game due to injury while Lalrindika Ralte is suspended for the clash.
Prediction:
The marquee clash of the night see's two teams who are not in the best form at the moment battle it out. Expect it to be a tactical encounter with teams looking to preserve rather than go out attacking. A 1-1 draw seems to be a fair result.