ISL 4: BFC host resurgent Highlanders

Bengaluru: Bengaluru FC will look for a positive return to ISL action after a lacklustre 0-0 draw against Bhutan’s Transport United in the AFC Cup when they take on a resurgent NorthEast United here on Friday.

The Blues are second with 21 points from 11 games and will seek to end the week at the summit of the table after new leaders FC Pune City pipped Jamshedpur FC 2-1 on Wednesday.

Albert Roca’s men defeated the Highlanders 1-0 away from home back in December thanks to a solitary Miku goal, and the Spaniard expects a gritty battle against a side under new manager Avram Grant’s stewardship.

Eleven key starters stayed back in Bengaluru whilst a fledgeling side comprising of academy graduates battled in Bhutan midweek and will be fresh to begin a gruelling run of five games in 14 days. Set-piece specialist Edu Garcia is also back in the fold.

It’s been a turbulent yet exciting couple of weeks for the Highlanders. Former Chelsea boss Grant replaced Jao De Deus at the helm and has taken his ISL bow in style — fast earning a reputation as a giant killer, with two wins out of three matches in charge coming against top-four sides FC Goa and Chennaiyin FC.

The 3-1 win over the latter last week was spurred by ex-BFC man Seiminlen Doungel’s splendid hat-trick, and he’ll be the danger man looking to pick up his ninth place team.