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A depleted Bharat FC side will take on Bengaluru FC in a Hero I-League round 19 encounter at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex, Mhalunge-Balewadi on Friday night.
The Lions battling a number of injuries and suspensions will look to put their best foot forward against the defending champions in what is expected to be a challenging match for both sides.
Bharat FC occupy 10th position in the Hero I-League having picked up 12 points from 13 games. Bengaluru FC are in third position with 25 points from 14 games. Bharat FC played out a 1-1 draw against Shillong Lajong FC at home last Sunday while Bengaluru FC defeated Pune FC 0-2 at the Balewadi Sports Complex on Tuesday night.
Stuart Watkiss, Bharat FC’s head coach said that he expected his team to display exemplary commitment against one of the most efficient teams in the competition. “Yes we are not in the best of positions. We are missing three important players. We have had a few injuries. But I believe that a game like this is an opportunity for the other players in the squad to put their hands up.
The champions are in town and you need to relish these opportunities and make the most of them. You need to believe in yourself, your ability. I was happy with our display against Lajong, everyone battled hard. I expect them to do the same and some more tomorrow,” he said.
Bharat FC will be missing out on the services of captain, Gouramangi Singh, first choice goalkeeper, Arindam Bhattacharya and central defender, Dharmaraj Ravanan through suspension. In addition to that, right-back Mehrajuddin Wadoo was injured in the clash against Mohun Bagan on the 11th of April and the defender underwent corrective surgery on Wednesday. New Zealand international striker, Kris Bright, is also battling a hamstring problem and is not expected to make the match-day squad.
Watkiss though was emphatic about his team’s morale and ability to glean a positive result from Friday’s clash. “We are definitely missing some mainstays but I believe the lads have enough in them to fight it out and get us a result. We have the one of the best defensive records in the league. Our organization has been good and we are disciplined.
“All these aspects need to come to the fore tomorrow. We cannot afford to commit mistakes against the champions but at the same time we do not need to be cowed down. I want my team to go out there, keep things simple but express themselves effectively,” he said.
Bengaluru FC, on the other hand, have a fully fit squad. India international striker Robin Singh returns from a one-game suspension that forced him to sit out against Pune FC. Bengaluru FC’s head coach Ashley Westwood said that he was expecting a tough game tomorrow. “I don’t expect anything other than a resolute display from Bharat FC.
“They have a great defensive record and I am sure they will be very tough to break down. They have had a number of close games and we need to be on our guard,” he said.
