I-League: Shivajians banking on home comfort

DSK Shivajians FC have an eye on the fourth spot while Aizawl FC will look to avoid relegation when they face off in the Hero I-League Round 17 match at the Balewadi Stadium in Pune on Saturday.

Shivajians, who have gathered 15 points from 14 matches, are on a seven-match unbeaten run following their impressive 3-3 comeback draw against the defending champions Mohun Bagan at the Barasat Stadium in Kolkata last weekend. At home, the Pune-based club have collected eight points from four unbeaten home matches.

Aizawl FC (13 points from 15 matches) meanwhile have struggled off late managing just five points from their last seven games and their best away results have been three draws.

Outlining the importance of what is the season’s last home match for them, DSK Shivajians head coach Derrick Pereira said, “It will be a tough game for sure. It is Aizawl FC’s last game of the season, and at the same time our last home game. So we want to give a good performance for our fans who have supported us throughout the campaign.

“It has been a good run in the second leg. We have taken points from each and every team. But Aizawl FC are one team we have to take points from. I am hoping we play the same way we have been in the last few games and get a good result tomorrow,” Pereira added.

The hosts have a full squad available for Saturday’s game after Spanish maestro Juan Quero recovered from a calf strain suffered during the last game at Kolkata. Quero, who scored a brace against Mohun Bagan, has been instrumental for the Pune-based club since his signing. The Spaniard will wish to add more goals to his tally before the season comes to a close.

Likewise, defender Sandesh Jhingan, who suffered a gash on his right cheek has recovered fully.