Bengaluru FC take on Federation Cup champions tomorrow

18^th Round Airtel I-League game between Bengaluru FC and Churchill Brothers

might me termed as a fight between David and Goliath, at least on paper. Churchill, the winner of the last edition, Alemao family owned team is currently placed at the bottom. However, Bengaluru FC’s defeat against Rangdajied FC and Churchill’s recent Federation Cup victory and some quality foreign signings can have a different tale to tell. 

Other than Chettri’s match saving brace against Bangladesh, the captain strived more on the way his team came back to the game against Rangdajied last week, which Bengaluru FC eventually lost 2-3. 

Not perturbed with the loss against Rangdajied, gaffer Ashley Westwood, who experimented Chhetri in the midfield, by playing through the thirds, “It is important for us win tomorrow’s game. You can’t be defensive if you are at the bottom of the points table.” 

Bengaluru FC defeated Churchill Brothers 3-1 in latters home, the Steelmen did not allow them to settle down. “For Churchill Brothers things are much better now, however, the threat from the opponent is still there as they believe in playing more compact and attacking game”, reckoned India international Denzil Franco. 

Though Subhash Bhowmik is the Technical Director of Churchill Brothers, taking care of the team officially, it is Mariano Dias, head coach who calls the shots. 

With one win and two draws post Federation Cup victory, well, results actually not reflecting the way Churchill Brothers are playing right now. “There are eight more rounds to go in Airtel I-League”, Mariano hopes his team will climb up to the table to make a decent finish. 

Mariano added, “We’ll benefit a lot if Balwant continues to play the game he played in Federation Cup and against Mohun Bagan last week”. After playing a stellar role in Federation Cup, Balwant scored two important goals in a draw game against Mohun Bagan last week, also, he debuted for India against Bangladesh in a friendly played few days back. 

Churchill in all probability is going to miss the services of Lenny Rodrigues, who injured his knee while doing national duty and goalie Lalit Thapa. 

Looks like an entertaining game in store as Ashley rightly sums up, “They need 3 points as much as we do!”  

      

The game kicks off at 4 pm.