Pune FC gear up to face I-League champions Bengaluru FC in a crucial Federation Cup third round Group B encounter at the Tilak Maidan in Vasco, Goa on Monday.

Pune FC go into the crunch clash with the sole purpose of strengthening their qualification hopes. A favourable result on the morrow would better Pune FC’s chances of qualification to the semifinals for the first time.

While Bengaluru FC lead the Group-B standings with seven points after three games, second-placed Pune FC (4pts) do have a chance of overtaking them on head-to-head with a win.  However, with a lot of combinations still possible and four sides in contention for a semi-berth ahead of the final few rounds of matches, the game on Monday is very important for either side.

Going into the game after a win (vs Shillong Lajong FC 3-1) and a draw (vs Mohun Bagan 1-1) in their opening two games so far, Pune FC will be keen to maintain their positive run against Bengaluru FC. However, Pune FC will need to be at their best on the morrow and avoid any slipups.

Furthermore, the game will be the second time both sides face off in Goa this season and will be familiar with the style of play of the opponent. Incidentally, the preseason game played early in August at the Duler Stadium in Goa ended 1-1.

“The match against Bengaluru FC is very important because there is a possibility of qualifying for the knockouts. They are a very strong side and have been together for a very long time. Their team is mostly the same from previous season but they have strengthened in few positions,” said Coach Karim Bencherifa after a training session at the Nagoa Football Ground on Sunday.

Going into the game, Pune FC will be boosted by the availability of all twenty players who are fully fit and available for selection. And having dominated proceedings in the second half against Mohun Bagan on the New-Year’s day, Pune FC will hope to put on a similar show against Bengaluru FC

“I am very happy with the way we performed in the second half against Mohun Bagan. We dominated proceedings and created many chances. The game against Bengaluru FC will also be a physical game just like the one against Bagan. So I am looking forward to a strong performance from the boys,” added Coach Bencherifa

Opponents Bengaluru FC go into the game on the back of a narrow 1-0 win over Shillong Lajong couple days before and will be playing their last group game on the morrow which makes it a must-win for them.

The southern side will depend heavily on the foreign quartet of defenders John Johnson and Curtis Osano along with playmaker Josh Walker and striker Sean Rooney. Club and country captain Sunil Chhetri will once again lead while striker Robin Singh is expected to start on the matchday.

Interestingly, the game will be the first ever competitive clash between both sides in a competition outside the I-League. However, Pune FC do boast a better overall record against Bengaluru FC with a win and a draw in two games so far and will be hoping to build on it.

The game kicks off at 16.00 PM IST on Monday and will be telecast LIVE on Ten Action.