Bengaluru FC have struggled in their own right, with a slowish and stop-start campaign so far, that sees them just three points above Jamshedpur in the ISL table.
This contest promises to be an exciting one, with both teams in search of a win and genuinely trying to change their fortunes. Individual battles could end up deciding the outcome, and we’ve picked out three of the most tasty encounters on paper.
Sunil Chhetri vs Pratik Chaudhari
A disappointing end to the last game against ATK Mohun Bagan saw Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley sent off for an altercation inside the penalty area that cost the team the match and a potential draw to get out of the tough situation the club finds itself in.
Pratik Chaudhari is expected to take the place of Hartley in central defence for this clash, and will come up against India’s football hero in Sunil Chhetri on Saturday.
Chhetri found the back of the net from the spot in the last game against Kerala Blasters, and will be keen to keep the good form going this time around too, and will aim to use his experience to get around the tall frame of Pratik in the middle of defence.
Javi Hernandez vs Rafael Crivellaro
Now this might not be a direct clash considering the similar positions these two players adopt, but Rafael Crivellaro and Javi Hernandez could both be equally important to their teams this weekend.
Crivellaro got some vital minutes under his belt after a long lay-off in the match against ATKMB, and impressed with his vision and passing ability. The aim would be to continue that and play for even longer in this one, with the added incentive of wanting to open his assist and goal account for the Men of Steel.
Javi Hernandez, on the other hand, is coming into this game on the back of a goal-scoring performance against Kerala and will have similar ambitions as he steps on to the pitch.
The Spaniard is a key cog in the wheel for head coach Simon Grayson, and will want to make his presence felt early so he can outshine his Brazilian counterpart.
Sandesh Jhingan vs Ishan Pandita
Ishan Pandita may not have played in every single game this season, but he looks like he has finally earned the confidence of head coach Aidy Boothroyd, who started him against ATKMB and the striker managed some very good opportunities in front of goal.
In this game, he is expected to come up against the familiar face of Sandesh Jhingan, who has marshalled the back line for Bengaluru FC but would want to stop the flow of goals that the club has been conceding.
Jhingan’s experience and Pandita’s exuberance could be a very exciting matchup come Saturday, and one that fans of both clubs would want to keep an out for once the game kicks off.
