Pune FC face leaders Bengaluru FC

Pune FC will be eager to shrug off their recent run of disappointing results when they face league-leaders Bengaluru FC in a potentially season-defining match at the KSFA Stadium in Bengaluru on Friday.
Playing their fourth consecutive away game, a win will be vital for third placed Pune FC (30 pts) to keep their title hopes alive.
Returning to Bengaluru after almost two years, Pune FC will also be keen to maintain their healthy I-League record in the city. Back in 2010-11, Pune FC came out 2-1 winners over the erstwhile HAL SC and the following season they pumped six goals past the same opponents (HAL 4-6 Pune FC in 2011-12).
After a disappointing 2-3 loss to Churchill Brothers in the previous round, Pune FC will be optimistic while aspiring for a positive result as they enter a hectic schedule playing eight matches at home, away and overseas in the next thirty days.
Post the match on Sunday, Pune FC had a few sessions in Goa acclimatising to the artificial turf before flying to Bengaluru.
Going into the game, Pune FC will be missing services of a number of key players. While first choice keeper Amrinder Singh (red-card in previous game) and talismanic defender Anas Edathodika (four yellow cards) will be serving their respective one match suspension, medio Dhanpal Ganesh is out with an injury.
However, Pune FC will be boosted by the return of influential defender Calum Angus. The Englishman returns to the squad after missing the previous game due to personal reasons and will provide stability at the back.