Pune FC would be keen to break their jinx against East Bengal when they host the Kolkata side in an I-League football encounter at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi here tomorrow.
Going into the game on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 win over Salgaocar FC, the local outfit will be looking to overcome the challenge of a hectic schedule as they play their third game in a span of eight days.
For Pune FC, the game carries added significance with the fact they have been winless against East Bengal in the last seven games.
Moreover, with their last win over East Bengal coming in April 2011, Pune FC will be eager to get their first victory in four years.
Nonetheless, the clash between fourth placed Pune FC (20 pts) and fifth place East Bengal (16 pts) will be an interesting one with both sides chasing the top three spots.
Pune FC will be hoping to build on their unbeaten home run which has seen them win four and draw three of their seven home games this season.
The 15 points earned thus puts them second only behind leaders Mohun Bagan (19 pts, 7 matches) in performance in home games. Furthermore, a win also gives Pune FC a chance to move up into the second place in the standings.
Coach Karim Bencherifa wants his side to be ready for the challenge. "So far the boys have handled every situation like a professional and have done their job. The fact that we are still unbeaten at home is a big positive."
"Also, we got an important result in the midweek against Salgaocar and that gives us a big boost going into the game against East Bengal," Bencherifa added.
"East Bengal is a strong side. They boast of one of the best squads, if not the best squad, in the I-League and we are expecting a tough match.
