Pune FC and defending champions Bengaluru FC would clash here tomorrow in an I-League football round 18 encounter that promises plenty of action at the Shree Shivchhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi.
Pune FC's fourth home game in the month of April would also be the second time they take the field in four days after the game against Dempo SC on Saturday.
With the two teams separated by just one point in the league standings, the clash will be a crucial one for both the teams.
Currently Pune FC (23 points) are third in the table while the title holders are fourth with 22 points.
Moreover, with leaders Mohun Bagan (28 pts) dropping points in the previous weekend against second placed Royal Wahingdoh (26 pts), a win for either in tomorrow's game would strengthen their position in the standings.
The game will also be the third time both sides face in this season. While Bengaluru FC logged a 2-1 win in the Federation Cup group stage, Pune FC bounced back with a massive 3-1 win over the defending champions in the first-leg of the I-League.
Pune FC, who come into the game on the back of a 2-1 away win over Dempo SC in Goa, will be confident of their chances and have not lost to Bengaluru in the past three I-League games, two of which they have won.
However, the task will be a tough one with a host of Pune FC players missing from action due to injuries and suspensions.
Midfielder Dhanpal Ganesh, who was sent off for the second time this season, will serve a one-game suspension and will be joined by striker Darko Nikac who too misses out after receiving four yellow cards.
Raju Yumnam, Ishfaq Ahmed and Edgar Marcelino are still yet to recover completely from injuries forcing Pune FC Coach Karim Bencherifa to shuffle his lineup.
