Bengaluru take on tough Royal Wahingdoh

Bengaluru FC (BFC) did not have the best of starts to their campaign, earned just one point from three games. They’ll be under a lot of pressure to come back with very little time against a confident Royal Wahingdoh (RWFC).

3 victories in the as many fixtures give RWFC a record – best start to a season by a promoted team.

Both teams will have had a lot of travelling prior to Saturday’s game. Fitness, recuperation and the changes in weather will all play a part, as noted by RWFC coach Santosh Kashyap after the Bharat FC game. 

Having made the trip to Kolkata earlier this week, BFC were unlucky to go down 1-0 down to East Bengal after having dominated the game and Westwood will look at his squad to add sharper finishing to what was an otherwise brilliant show at the Salt Lake Stadium on Wednesday. 

RWFC announced the signing of two defenders – Naoba Singh and Govin Singh.

BFC gaffer Ashley Westwood assured the mood in the Blues’ camp was anything but down. “The mood’s good as is the morale. If you look at the last nine games, it’s just two that we’ve lost. It’s not disastrous form. It’s just that our two losses have been compounded because they are back to back. There’s no reason to be down and not confident. We are I-League and Federation Cup champions,” said the gaffer on the eve of the game.” 

While BFC are still digging their heels into the new season, league debutants RWFC have gotten off to a dream start. The Santosh Kashyap-coached side is the unlikely leaders after 3 rounds. “It is an excellent beginning for us and we have been playing some good football. Bengaluru may have not had the best start but that doesn’t mean they are easy opponents. We all know the kind of set up they have. Also, they are coming on the back of a Federation Cup win so it’s going to be tough on Saturday,” said Kashyap. 

Westwood too isn’t taking RWFC lightly. BFC haven’t won in Shillong as yet but the gaffer said the record had no bearing on the way his boys are looking at the game. “We don’t even remember opponents and stadiums after a bit. Every new game is taken on merit. We know we are in for a tough one tomorrow. RWFC haven’t won three games by fluke. They have played decent opposition. They have to be taken very seriously and are in good form so obviously, we are expecting a very tough game,” said Westwood who has a completely fit squad to choose from. 

The match between Royal Wahingdoh and Bengaluru FC is slated to start tomorrow, Saturday, 4.30 PM, Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Shillong.