In their quest for their second title in three years, Bengaluru FC will host Kolkata powerhouses East Bengal at the Sree Kanteerava Stadium here on Sunday.
Following a season in which the I-League title was decided in favour of Mohun Bagan in the last five minutes of the campaign, another photo-finish seems to be on the cards. This time, with three clubs in the race for the title.
Bagan, who drew with DSK Shivajians 3-3 on Saturday, lead the table with 27 points from 15 matches while Bengaluru were second with 26 points from 13 outings. East Bengal, meanwhile, are two points adrift from 13 matches in a 16-match league.
Going by the form, BFC have the edge with three wins and two draws in their last five matches while East Bengal have two wins, as many defeats, and one draw in their last five outings.
The Biswajit Bhattacharya-coached side are also under pressure as they come into the match fully aware that a loss could mean curtains for their title challenge.
“It’s a very important game for us and we will go for a win. We are still in the running and we believe in our boys and hope to win the match,” Bhattacharya said.
Meanwhile BFC coach Ashley Westwood stressed that, while a key encounter, it was not a must win game for his side’s title aspirations.
“It’s not vital to win to be quite honest because if you look at the table, we need to win two and draw one. What is important is that we don’t lose. It’s not a do or die game but we will be going out to win anyway,” he said on Saturday.
Despite attempts to deflect the pressure, Westwood will be confident coming into the tie after having beaten the Red and Gold Lions away earlier this season.
In Margao, Sporting Clube de Goa take on Shillong Lajong FC in a crucial match at the Nehru Stadium on Sunday.
With both sides having 15 points each from 13 matches a win is crucial as the winners will get some breathing space against the other bottom teams who are fighting to avoid relegation.
