Bengaluru: Stakes will be high when two of finest teams in the league square off in a south Indian derby at the Kanteerava Stadium in Bengaluru on Sunday. Separated by three points having played the same number of matches, Bengaluru FC is just one notch above Chennaiyin FC. Coach Albert Roca however expects a tough game against a team he considers to be the most balanced this campaign.
“I expect a tough game. They are very competitive and have big central defenders. Also, they are good in set-pieces. For us tomorrow, it will be difficult. They are a side with good balance,” Roca said during the pre-match conference.
The ISL debutants nonetheless have been a side to beat, undefeated at home turf, ‘The Blues’ have lost just one game on the road against FC Goa after going a man down. Playing with a class apart from the rest, this team has already been tipped by many to win the Indian Super League this season. But on Sunday the atmosphere will be intriguing against an opponent they call their neighbourhood foe. “This is more important because it’s a derby’. I will explain to the players what this match means, just so that it gives us extra motivation,” agreed the former Barcelona B coach.
Chennaiyin FC unbeaten run of three games was put to rest by Mumbai, courtesy a penalty and coach John Gregory although lamenting the referee’s poor call is determined to get back to winning ways in the Lion’s den itself.
“We come against a team that is three points ahead of us and will be trying to take back three points to Chennai. I am also aware that it is a local derby. This is by far the closest team to us which (adds) a bit of local rivalry. Hoping for a fantastic and yet difficult football match. Both sides playing fluently in both home and away games,” said the Englishmen.
The ‘Marina Machans’ will however be weary of former Venezuelan international Miku, who has already found the net six times, with just 10 shots on target. Such has been his conversion rate, that teams have already started deploying an extra defensive cover to keep him in check.
Gregory is however confident of his team’s ability to stop his scoring streak. “In Miku you have got a striker who is scoring regularly and you have to try and keep him quiet as well,” added Gregory.