Pune FC will be eager to end their ‘home’ campaign on a high when they host leaders Mohun Bagan AC in an I-League Round 19 encounter at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi on Saturday.

The game will be a crucial one for Pune FC after back-to-back losses in the last two home games and they will be hoping to shrug off the disappointing run and seal their fifth home win of the season.

The encounter will also be the fourth time both sides face off this season after clashing in the King’s Cup semifinal (PFC Win), Federation Cup Group Stage (Draw) and the I-League Round-5 (MMB Win). With either side sharing a win in these games so far, the clash on the morrow will be an interesting one.

Going into the game, Pune FC, who take field for the third time in eight days, will be looking to bounce back from a disappointing 0-2 loss to defending champions Bengaluru FC at home in the midweek. Despite creating chances throughout the game, Pune FC were let down by some poor finishing in the final third which they will hope to rectify this time around.

“The game against Bengaluru FC was a tough one. Despite the difficulties we were facing, the boys put on a brave performance. We had our chances but at the end it was few mistakes that proved costly,” said Pune FC coach Karim Bencherifa on the sidelines of a training session at the Balewadi Stadium.

However, the game against Mohun Bagan will be a totally different one for various reasons. To begin with both sides have faced off multiple times in the current season and are well aware of the rivals. Moreover, as the business end of the season nears, any slip up now will prove costly as both sides look to strengthen their respective positions in the table.

Weighing up opponents, Coach Bencherifa added, “Mohun Bagan are a very strong side. They are currently leading the table but their loss in the last round will make this game an interesting one. It will be a challenging match, but we are prepared for it.”

On the team news front, Pune FC will boosted by the return of key players Darko Nikac and Dhanpal Ganesh who are back after serving a one match suspension for four yellow cards and a sending off respectively. Moreover, the return of playmaker Edgar Marcelino, who played the second half against Bengaluru FC, also gives Coach Bencherifa options in the midfield.

Sanjoy Sen-led Mohun Bagan had a fantastic start to the season staying unbeaten in 12 games before finally losing their first game in Shillong to Royal Wahingdoh in the previous round.

Going into the game, Bagan will be heavily depending on the overseas quartet of striker Pierre Boya, defender Bello Rasaq and wingers Katsumi Yusa and Sony Norde. Meanwhile, the likes of Denson Devadas, Dhanachandra Singh and Anwar Ali will be adding to the experience.

The Kolkata side will however be missing services of influential striker Balwant Singh who serves his two match suspension for a sending off against Royal Wahingdoh.

Over the years, both sides have faced off fifteen times with Bagan having a slight upper hand logging six wins compared to Pune FC’s four. Nonetheless, in five home games Pune FC have a better record with two wins compared to Bagan’s one and will be eager to build on it.

The game kicks off at 19.00 IST on Saturday and will be LIVE on Ten Action.