Bengaluru FC are brimming with confidence yet treading with caution in equal measure as they play their first ever away game in the I-League against East Bengal at the Kalyani Stadium, in Kolkata, on Saturday. Riding high after the 3-1 win over Dempo earlier in the week, Ashley Westwood’s boys are on top of the table and  would like to get their travels started with a win.

Though convincing and dominant in their wins in most games, Westwood knows well enough to let Bengaluru FC get complacent. “We have our ethics in place and are taking every game as it comes. East Bengal may be coming into this game with successive defeats but we’re not reading too much into that. We are going to stay grounded and do the job,” said Westwood on the eve of the game.

As if a 1-3 home defeat to Dempo and an ouster from the AFC Cup weren’t enough disappointments to deal with, East Bengal will be without a suspended Uga Okpara and an injured Arnab Mondal – both defenders – and Bengaluru would be keen to capitalise on the situation. Coach Marcos Falopa is also likely to find alternatives for injured midfielders Ryuji Sueoka and Reisangmi Vashum.

Westwood, meanwhile, hasn’t had to alter his selection plans with a completely fit squad at his disposal.

The East Bengal defence would do well to be wary of Bengaluru FC striker Sean Rooney. The Australian has been on a fantastic run scoring five goals from as many games and would love to extend the purple patch away from Bangalore too.

An interesting battle would be one between East Bengal strikers Chidi Edeh and James Moga and Bengaluru FC’s defence that has been stingy this far, letting in just three goals in five games. While the Edeh-Moga pair may not have had many successful hunts, the duo could be more than lethal on their day.

With the AFC Cup now out of their way, East Bengal will be looking to bring semblance to their I-League campaign with a win on Saturday but will be up against a team that will throw in all to protect pole position they have rightfully staked claim on.