A new look Pune FC side will be out to prove their mettle against newly-promoted Mohammedan Sporting Club in their opening clash of the I-League 2013-14 at the Saltlake Stadium on Saturday.
For the first time in five seasons, Pune FC open their I-League campaign away from home. The match also kicks off a three game away run as Pune FC take to the field for the first time under new Coach Mike Snoei.
This will be the first-ever meeting between both sides in the top-flight (I-League) and third overall after clashing in the I-League 2nd Division (26/4/2008 – Pune FC 2-3 Mohammedan Sporting) and in the Federation Cup (21/9/2011 – Pune FC 0-0 Mohammedan Sporting) earlier.
Incidentally, Pune FC play Mohammedan exactly after two years at the same venue.
Mohammedan come into the game on a high after recently winning the Durand Cup in New Delhi. With four consecutive wins in the tournament, they are definitely a team in form.
The Kolkata giants have made many changes to the team that won promotion last season. Their new foreign quartet of strikers Tolgay Ozbey and Josimar Martins, playmaker Penn Orji and defender Luciano Sobrosa bring in vast I-League experience. Similarly other new Indian signings add variety into the team.
Pune FC themselves are in a good form after having a great preseason. Playing a total of seven matches, Pune FC drew the first two before winning five consecutive games against various opponents.
Despite going into the game with a relatively young squad, Pune FC will be looking to get all three points to match their opening day win against another promoted side ONGC FC last season.
New signings striker Raul Fabiani, winger James Meyer and defender Calum Angus are set to make their debuts as coach Snoei prepares to adopt a different style of play.
Pune FC will be looking to set the record straight by registering their first win over Mohammedan after two previous unsuccessful attempts.