I-League 2015-16, Round 8: Bengaluru FC vs Mohun Bagan - Preview

Bengaluru FC are top of the table with 15 points ahead of the match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Bengaluru: Looking to consolidate their lead at the top of the table, Bengaluru FC will have their task cut out when they host defending champions Mohun Bagan in the Hero I-League here on Saturday.

Bengaluru FC were placed at the top with 15 points ahead of the match at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium.

Mohun Bagan are at third with 11 points and they will be keen to close in on their opponents, having played two matches less than Bengaluru FC.

Though Bagan have been unbeaten in the competition so far, they are taking Bengaluru very seriously.

"It will be a tough match. We respect BFC. It is a fully organised team and are strong in every department, and they are the most consistent team for the last three years," Mohun Bagan head coach Sanjoy Sen told reporters.

Sen is aware of Bengaluru's penchant for bouncing back from difficult situations.

"The hosts have the potential of bouncing back after losing two of their games. This was seen in the last match when they mauled DSK Shivajians 4-1," Sen said.

Bengaluru have been missing the services of their key players like Robin Singh, Joshua Walker and Eugeneson Lyndoh, but have managed to get their replacements right, which is reflected in the fact that they are top of table.

"We have built the team, taking into consideration injury issues we may face down the line and some players having to play for the country. So, we have good bench players, who have been chipping in with their performances," BFC head coach Ashley Westwood said.

Though Westwood raised concerns of his strikers scoring less in initial stages of the competition, Westwood said he is satisfied with the 12 goals his team has scored, which have been struck by six different players.

"We have got five to six different scorers this season so far, and have scored 12 goals. Unlike other teams, we are not depending on an individual to score goals. Everybody in my team has pitched in. It shows we are a functional team," he said.

On the other hand, the return of Trinidad and Tobago World Cupper Glenn Cornel in the playing XI is a big boost for Mohun Bagan. With four goals in as many matches, he would be itching to add more to his tally, although he will not have Balwant Singh for company upfront. Balwant is still recovering from a shin bone injury.

"We have good replacements. One or two players, also will be missing, and that doesn't matter," Sen said.