FC Pune welcome Kerala Blasters tomorrow in what will be Pune's second of the three home games in a row. Both sides come into this game with completely opposite fortunes as Kerala registered their first win of the season against Mumbai City thanks to a Michael Chopra winner in the second half. Pune City, on the other hand, are coming into this game after a disappointing 1-0 loss to league leaders North East as the Stallions lost their second home game on a trot.
Assistant coach Miguel Martinez was hopeful of his team's chances against the Blasters as he said, "Whether it is a home or an away game, we prepare in the same way. The players have a strong mentality and will look for nothing other than three points tomorrow. Against Goa, we played decently and will look to improve our performances with every game.”
Pune City have lacked leadership during Antonio Habas' absence on the touchline as the Spaniard will return for the Stallions in the next game. On missing their manager for the first three games, Miguel said, "He is our leader and it is obviously affecting us that he is not in the dugout. But I am trying to think as he thinks and there is no doubt that he has had a huge impact on me."
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Pune City center back Gouramangi Singh was also present in the pre-match press conference as he looked defiant in saying that this is just the beginning in the tournament and the Stallions can go a long way this season.
He said, "It is too early to draw a conclusion from the three games as we are totally committed to go for a win tomorrow night. If we win tomorrow we will climb up the table which will improve the confidence in the squad."
Kerala Blasters have always had the edge over FC Pune City as the Blasters have won 3 out of 4 times against the Orange Army and also have their full squad fit for tomorrow's game. Pune will miss defender Eduardo Ferreira who received a red card against North East and also will be without the services of midfielder Lenny Rodrigues who is out with a fever.
