Bengaluru FC B hit the road once again for their second successive away game as they take on ARA FC in what will be an early top-of-the-table clash in Group A of the Hero 2nd Division League at The Arena, TransStadia in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Monday.

With both sides opening their campaign with wins last week, it promises to be an entertaining clash given that the winner will take the driving seat in Group A. However, the Round Two encounter will be the first ever time a BFC team plays in the western state, and thus brings its own set of challenges.

“This is something I have personally learned from Albert Roca and Carles Cuadrat. We always stay humble and focused, while respecting our opponents. This is how we operate in the first team and that’s what we’re trying to inculcate in all our teams. The boys are high on confidence after their exploits in Bengaluru and are eager to test themselves on the national level. This season has been a long one for us in terms of matches we’ve played and they have adapted to the style and system of the team. They have also realized how important it to be consistent and keep playing good football. The boys are enjoying a lot more on the pitch while expressing themselves and the result speaks for itself,” said BFC B Coach Naushad Moosa on the eve of the game.

The Vivek Nagul-coached side began their campaign with a thrilling 4-3 win over Hindustan FC at home which was powered by a hat-trick from skipper Syed Shoaib Ahmed. ARA will once again bank on their skipper when they face the Blue Colts and Moosa was wary of any complacency. “It’s always good for any team to win and the way ARA beat Hindustan FC shows they have a good attack. They can definitely create problems for us and we need to be alert at all times. We have to respect them, but at the same time we must focus on our plan. They are a new club, but I don’t expect an easy game for us,” added Moosa.

On the team news front, the Blue Colts have no injuries or suspensions to worry about and it will be interesting to see the XI that Moosa rolls out on Monday. Meanwhile, ARA have a familiar face in their line up in goalkeeper Calvin Abhishek who was part of the Blues for three seasons.

The game kicks off at 3.30 pm on Monday.

(Bengaluru FC)