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FC Pune City are all set to kick start the game week 5 of ISL 2017 and they are going to take on the table toppers Bengaluru FC in their 4th home fixture at the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Pune. Both sides are coming into this game at the back of away victories with an identical score line of 1-0.
FC Pune City managed to break the mighty Jamshedpur defence and become the first team to find the back of the net against them. They lost their last home game against Chennaiyin FC. It was the only game in this season, where the Stallions have failed to score a goal. They will be eying the top spot in the league table with a win over the Blues.
On the other side, Benglauru FC are looking like one of the most balanced outfit of ISL 2017. They have been playing a brilliant game and managed to score 10 goals in their first 4 matches. With both sides having a well-organized attack, we might see a cracker of a game tonight in Pune.
FC Pune City
FC Pune City head coach Ranko Popovic accepts that Bengaluru FC are the team to beat with respect to their current form. However, he believes that FC Pune City are the favorites for the game while playing at home. The Stallions have managed to win just 1 out of their 3 home games so far and this will be a challenging 4th game for them.
With their regular left-back Fanai being suspended because of a red card in last game, Baljit is the most likely candidate to replace him. However, Adil Khan or Rafa are expected to start at the left-back position. The Serbian coach would like to field his side in the 4-1-4-1 formation with Baljit playing as a floater in midfield.
FC Pune City Probable Starting XI: Kaith, Sarthak, Rafael, Gurtej, Adil, Baljit, Tebar, Isaac, Carlos, Marcelinho, Alfaro.
Bengaluru FC
Bengaluru boss Albert Roca is quite aware of the attacking prowess of FC Pune City and believes that this is going to be a challenging game for his defenders. However, he has done all the homework to stop the duo of Marcelinho and Alfaro.
With Gurpreet serving his suspension, the Spaniard Roca is not expected to make any changes in the lineup form last game. He will look to continue his favored attacking formation of 4-3-3 to continue playing the pressing game.
Bengaluru FC Probable Starting XI: Ralte, Subhasish, Bheke, Johnson, Khabra, Udanta, Paartalu, Gracia, Dimas, Chhetri, Miku.
Prediction
FC Pune City 2-4 Bengaluru FC
We are expecting a goal fest at the Shree Shiv Chatrapati Sports Complex tonight. However, Bengaluru FC are expected to take home all 3 points tonight to extend their lead at the top. FC Pune City will have to work really hard to stop the likes of Chhetri, Miku and Paartalu.
